7 March 2014
Nyck de Vries sets Paul Ricard track record
After coming four thousands of a second shy of best time yesterday, Nyck de Vries (Koiranen GP) answered this Friday during day two of the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 collective test. The McLaren Young Driver Development Programme driver set the track record in the category this morning with a time of 2’03’’021. The young Dutchman led from this afternoon’s quickest driver, Anthoine Hubert (Tech 1 Racing), reigning French F4 Champion and Lotus F1 Junior Team member, Alexander Albon (KTR).
For the second day of collective testing for the ’Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 at the Paul Ricard Circuit, the contenders of the category had perfect weather conditions to continue their preparation and learning of the new Michelin tyres.
Right from the beginning of the morning session, the ART Junior Team drivers; Aurélien Panis and Levin Amweg and Gustav Malja and Kevin Jörg from Josef Kaufmann Racing battled for the top spot with Nyck de Vries. The Koiranen GP driver was leader after the first hour. After being moved off the top of the speed chart by Egor Orudzhev (Tech 1 Racing), the Dutchman answered back with the new time to beat in the category at the Paul Ricard Circuit, stopping the clock at 2’03’’021. Alexander Albon, Levin Amweg, Bruno Bonifacio (Prema Powerteam) and Ignazio D’Agosto (Koiranen GP) completed the Top 5.
After the lunch break, Nyck de Vries dominated the early going in session two. Despite his many improvements, Alexander Albon went quicker between two stoppages caused by Vasily Romanov (Tech 1) and Tom Le Coq (RC Formula). The McLaren protégé returned to the sharp end of the order, but the times fell late in the session. .Bruno Bonifacio, Kevin Jörg, Anthoine Hubert and Alexander Albon all took turns leading the way. The French driver had he last word ahead of Alexander Albon and Dennis Olsen (Prema Powerteam). Kevin Jörg and Bruno Bonifacio rounded out the Top 5.
The Barcelona-Catalunya Circuit will host the next collective test for the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 on 17 and 18 March.
What they said:
Nyck de Vries: “We used our new tyres in the morning so that we could concentrate on long stints in the afternoon. With our programme completed, we are ready for the season to start. Especially, since it was my last collective test due to my dual programme in Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS. The car and pace seem good, although it’s very tight amongst all of us.”
Anthoine Hubert: “I have learned a lot during these two days of testing, beginning with this demanding track that I hadn’t driven on before. I also had to adapt to the new tyres as did the team. I am happy to have set the best time in the afternoon, but there is still work to do and I have to be up to the job when the serious business begins.”
Dennis Olsen: “I struggled during these tests because it is a very difficult track. Throughout the tests, I was able to go quicker and quicker. We also have to find solutions to get the most out of the tyres. It is good to leave France with such a good time and I am pleased, and it seems that the Prema Powerteam will be very strong this season.”
Kevin Jörg: “I was very fast in sectors 2 and 3. Unfortunately, I was missing a bit of performance in sector 1. I also put on new tyres a little too early because the track kept improving. I think the Top 5 is a good goal for this season, but the competition is very stout!”
