2 June 2014
The public comes out in mass at Spa Francorchamps!
68,000 spectators turned up at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit for the second meeting of the World Series by Renault season. On the track, the weekend was highlighted by the two triumphs of Carlos Sainz (DAMS) in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series and the two victories for the Prema Powerteam in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 thanks to Dennis Olsen and Bruno Bonifacio. Janneau Esmeijer (Formula Renault 1.6 NEC Junior), Melvin de Groot and Max Braams (Clio Cup Benelux-Central Europe) also starred in the support races. The fans were also treated to the Infiniti Red Bull Racing F1 Show with Jean-Eric Vergne at the wheel, between the demonstration runs of the Renault Sport range those of Jean Ragnotti.
Jean-Paul Renaux, Renault Belgium Luxembourg and Renault Holland Managing Director: ”Once again it is a huge success! This 10th season is certainly one of the finest. The races were spectacular with fantastic weather. All weekend long, the atmosphere both on and off the circuit was wonderful. It is terrific to see that Renault, via its sport products, its organization and its competition attracts more and more people. The World Series by Renault events are the sporting event of the year earmarked for families: they can have a great time with the children and soak up the Renault spirit. As always, the new Renault Village was a big hit as were our concerts, which attracted large crowds. To see the popularity of the World Series by Renault grow year after year thanks to the additional attractions makes us proud. We can’t wait for another 10 seasons.”
Formula Renault 3.5 Series : The double-double for Carlos Sainz
Spa-Francorchamps was the venue for the fourth meeting of the 2014 Formula Renault 3.5 Series season. Carlos Sainz retook command after two races without a win. The Spaniard ran the table on Saturday before doing it again on Sunday. Menaced by Oliver Rowland (Fortec Motorsports), the Spaniard, all the same, took a comfortable win thanks to a perfect pit stop carried out by the DAMS team. The Red Bull Junior Team driver left Belgium with a 43-point lead for his closest rival, Pierre Gasly (Arden Motorsport).
Race 1: 1- C. Sainz, ESP (DAMS), 2- P. Gasly, FRA (Arden Motorsport), 3- J. Jaafar, MAL (ISR)…
Race 2: 1- C. Sainz, ESP (DAMS), 2- W. Stevens, GBR (Strakka Racing), 3- O. Rowland, GBR (Fortec Motorsports)…
General classification: 1- C. Sainz 124 pts, 2- P. Gasly 81 pts, 3- P. Gasly 74 pts…
Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0: de Vries unbeatable over one lap, Prema Powerteam unbeatable in the race
Following the season-opener in Spain, Nyck de Vries arrived as the championship leader at the demanding Spa-Francorchamps circuit. On Saturday, the Dutchman took the pole in setting a new track record, but was beaten in race one by Norway’s Dennis Olsen (Prema Powerteam). The next day, Nyck de Vries did it again, breaking his own track record in qualifying before having to settle for third place in race two, behind the Prema Powerteam duo of Bruno Bonifacio and Dennis Olsen. With his first win in the category, the Brazilian is now tied with the Dutchman for the championship lead.
Race 1: 1- D. Olsen, NOR (Prema Powerteam), 2- N. de Vries, NED (Koiranen GP), 3- B. Bonifacio, BRA (Prema Powerteam)…
Race 2: 1- B. Bonifacio, BRA (Prema Powerteam), 2- D. Olsen, NOR (Prema Powerteam), 3- N. de Vries, NED (Koiranen GP)…
General classification: 1- N. de Vries 70 pts, 2- B. Bonifacio 70 pts, 3- D. Olsen 47 pts…
The next meeting for the World Series by Renault will be held in Russia, at the Moscow Raceway on 28 and 29 June.
