Big crowds and the first title at Circuit Paul Ricard for the World Series by Renault!

For the fourth consecutive year, Circuit Paul Ricard hosted the French round of the World Series by Renault. The Fast, Free & Fun event welcomed 65,000 spectators into the Renault universe thanks to unprecedented demonstrations, including that of the New Renault Twingo. On the track, the fans got the chance to hail this year’s Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 champion, Nyck de Vries, both wins by Carlos Sainz in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, and those of Mikel Azcona and Oscar Nogues in the Eurocup Clio, as well as the season finale of the French Renault Clio Cup!

Françoise Bohanne, Regional Director Renault South-East: “We were spoiled by the weather, and thrilled to host 65,000 spectators for this fourth edition of the World Series by Renault at Circuit Paul Ricard, The three categories of the World Series by Renault were in action, as well as the finale of the French Renault Clio Cup. We saw some superb battles and the crowning of Nyck de Vries in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and Nicolas Milan in the French Clio Cup! Renault France worked to ensure that this meeting was a succes and they get all the credit for this wonderful happening. I am very happy with the success of the demonstrations of David Coulthard, Jean Ragnotti and the Renault Sport Show, as well that of the New Renault Village. Numerous collectors were on hand and the usual attractions were joined by the Bag Jump Renault Captur, the Gameloft stand and the presentation of the New Renault Twingo. It was important for us to introduce this new model, which could be test driven on the test track.”

Formula Renault 3.5 Series: Carlos Sainz answers in style
While his lead in the championship lead melted this summer, Carlos Sainz (DAMS) reacted in style during the French meeting. The Spaniard won both races this weekend as well as pull away in the general classification. Twice, the DAMS driver won ahead of fellow Red Bull Junior Team driver, Pierre Gasly (Arden Motorsport). Matthieu Vaxiviere (Lotus) and Oliver Rowland (Fortec Motorsports each picked up a podium result. The only driver still in contention with Carlos Sainz for the title, Roberto Merhi (Zeta Corse) scored points in each race. He must now make up a 44-point deficit from his compatriot to hope to win the title at Jerez de la Frontera.

Race 1: 1- C. Sainz, ESP (DAMS), 2- P. Gasly, FRA (Arden Motorsport), 3- M. Vaxiviere, FRA (Lotus)…
Race 2: 1- C. Sainz, ESP (DAMS), 2- P. Gasly, FRA (Arden Motorsport), 3- O. Rowland, GBR (Fortec Motorsports)…
General classification: 1- C. Sainz 227 pts, 2- R. Merhi 183 pts, 3- P. Gasly 172 pts…

Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0: Nyck de Vries wins the title
Nyck de Vries (Koiranen GP) was unstoppable on his way to two pole positions, the two fastest laps in the race and most importantly two wins. On Saturday, the member of the McLaren Young Driver Development Programme won with more than an 11-second margin of victory from Egor Orudzhev (Tech 1 Racing) and Alexander Albon (KTR). The Dutchman did it again the next day in dominating the field led by Aurélien Panis (ART Junior Team) and Egor Orudzhev. In the general classification, Nyck de Vries is now unreachable. The battle for the runner-up spot, currently held by Dennis Olsen (Prema Powerteam), promises to be a spirited one.

Race 1: 1- N. de Vries, NED (Koiranen GP), 2- E. Orudzhev, FRA (Tech 1 Racing), 3- A. Albon, THA (KTR)…
Race 2: 1- N. de Vries, NED (Koiranen GP), 2- A. Panis, FRA (ART Junior Team), 3- E. Orudzhev, RUS (Tech 1 Racing)…
General classification: 1- N. de Vries 204 pts, 2- D. Olsen 116 pts, 3- A. Pizzitola 108 pts…

Eurocup Clio: Spain takes both ends of the Castellet weekend
After the summer break, the Eurocup Clio made its return at Circuit Paul Ricard. Right from the collective tests, Oscar Nogues (Rangoni Corse) set a new track record. However, the Catlan native was beaten by Eric Trémoulet (Vic’Team) and Mikel Azcona (PCRSport) in qualifying. On Saturday, Mikel Azcona took his maiden victory in the category ahead of the Frenchman and Alex Morgan (Rangoni Corse). On Sunday, Oscar Nogues took his revenge in edging Eric Trémoulet and Ivan Pulić for the win. In the general classification, Oscar Nogues added to his lead, which now stands at 46 points from the new number two, Eric Trémoulet.

Race 1: 1- M. Azcona, ESP (PCRSport), 2- E. Trémoulet, FRA (Vic’Team), 3- A. Morgan, GBR (Rangoni Corse)…
Race 2: 1- O. Nogues, ESP (Rangoni Corse), 2- E. Trémoulet, FRA (Vic’Team), 3- I. Pulić, CRO (Lema Racing Team)…
General classification: 1- O. Nogues 118 pts, 2- E. Trémoulet 82 pts, 3- M. Pedalà 80 pts…

The three categories of the World Series by Renault will now head to the 2014 season finale at the Circuito de Jerez on October 18 and 19.

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