Formula Renault 3.5 back to the Eifel

Absent from the calendar last year, the German circuit will host the fourth meeting of the 2014 season. The on and off-track programmes will be very busy with the Eurocup Clio returning to action alongside the Formula Renault 3.5 Series and Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0. In addition, Carlos Sainz will put in a demonstration run in an F1 car. Red Bull factory driver, Sébastien Buemi will star in the Infiniti Red Bull Racing F1 Show in front of the German fans.

Adored by the motor racing world and spectators alike, the Nürburgring encounter is always a great success. After a one year absence, the World Series by Renault returns to a circuit that has hosted drama filled races over the years.

For the second time in 2014, the three categories of the 100% Renault event will share the billing and will be complemented with the traditional Renault Sport Show and Jean Ragnotti Renault Classic Show. The Benelux and Central Europe Clio Cups will also be in action as will the Formula Renault 1.6 NEC Junior, which is one of the entry level categories of the F1 access academy proposed by Renault Sport Technologies.

At the wheel of the Infiniti Red Bull Racing F1 Show will be Switzerland’s Sébastien Buemi. The official Red Bull and e.dams Renault driver will share the driving duties with Carlos Sainz, who will receive his reward for leading the Formula Renault 3.5 Series general classification at the mid-way point of the season.

The public will also be spoiled with numerous attractions and the activities centre in the new Renault Village, located in the heart of the paddock. Recreation, bouncy castles, road safety awareness stations, driving simulators and a Ferris wheel should enjoy be a big hit among visitors of all ages.

Formula Renault 3.5 Series: chasing Carlos Sainz

While Carlos Sainz (DAMS) limited the damage in salvaging eight points in Russia, there’s little doubt the Spaniard hopes to return to the top step of the podium as soon as possible and especially ahead of the summer break. The leader in the general classification will be busy in Germany because his current ranking will allow him the chance to put in a demonstration run in the Infiniti Red Bull Racing Renault!

With his deficit now at 33 points, Pierre Gasly (Arden Motorsport) is among the most serious rivals to his fellow Red Bull Junior Team driver. The Frenchman comes to the Nürburgring with the goal of scoring his first victory in the category. He must nevertheless deal with the ambitions of those behind him in the championship, the British duo of Oliver Rowland (Fortec Motorsports) and Will Stevens (Strakka Racing) and the likes of Roberto Merhi (Zeta Corse) and Sergey Siroktin (Fortec Motorsports). After joining the winners’ circle in Russia, they both want the momentum to continue, especially the Spaniard who has already enjoyed success at the Ring in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 in 2008.

Jazeman Jaafar (ISR), Marlon Stockinger (Lotus) and Norman Nato (DAMS) will be out to close the gap and stay in contention for the title. The Frenchman has already stepped on to the Nürburgring podium during his 2012 Eurocup campaign.

There are several others in the field who would like to end the first half of the season with a bang. Following his competitive run in Russia, Zoel Amberg (AVF) wants a repeat performance to confirm his strong form, as does Pietro Fantin (International Draco Racing), who both now have the top ten in their sights. A target also shared by Matias Laine (Strakka Racing) and Marco Sørensen (Tech 1 Racing), who took a podium result at the in the Nürburgring in 2012.

For Luca Ghiotto (International Draco Racing), William Buller (Arden Motorsport), Meindert van Buuren (Pons Racing), Beitske Visser (AVF), Oscar Tunjo (Pons Racing) and Roman Mavlanov (Zeta Corse), the Nürburgring will be a terrific chance to show their talent on a track where bravery is rewarded. 17-year old Alfonso Celis from Mexico, who picked up a podium result last year in Formula Renault 2.0 NEC, will debut in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series with Tech 1 Racing while Matthieu Vaxiviere (Lotus) is set to come back on track if he’s cleared to drive.

Race 1: Saturday 12 July at 12h35
Race 2: Sunday 13 July at 12h35

//WSR//