For the third consecutive year, Hockenheim will be the ninth stop on the calendar. The host of the German Formula 1 Grand Prix could again play a significant role in the final stretch run after Max Fewtrell took a big step towards the title in 2018, then Oscar Piastri scored valuable points last year with the on-track duel between Victor Martins and Caio Collet.

Martins vs Collet

With four races remaining in this 50th season of the Formula Renault Eurocup, the question is whether Victor Martins (ART Grand Prix) or Caio Collet (R-ace GP) will write his name in the category’s record book.

With a 33-point lead, Victor Martins arrives in Germany with an opportunity to wrap-up the title on Sunday. The new category record holder for pole positions will rely on his past experience at Hockenheim to seal the deal although this track has provided him with as many good memories as disappointing.

In 2018, the Frenchman suffered two retirements that dashed his hopes of winning the rookie title. The following year, he won the first race after an epic two-car overtake… Just to lose a ton of points 24 hours later when he got caught out while battling Caio Collet!

This week, the stakes will be higher as the two drivers will race for the crown. With two third places and two Hankook Trophies last year, Caio Collet returns to the circuit where he put in the most complete weekend of his rookie campaign.

The Renault Sport Academy driver will be particularly eager to impress after his record run of 34 straight finishes in the points came to an end when he was hit by a fellow competitor and forced to retire last Sunday. The Brazilian will have the bit between his teeth to put in a perfect weekend, reduce his deficit and regain control of his fate!

The battles intensify

The fight for third place promises to be exceptionally intense for this second meeting of the season in Germany.

The momentum is currently with Franco Colapinto (MP Motorsport), who moved into third place in the general classification following the two retirements of David Vidales (JD Motorsport) at Imola. The Argentinian will aim to widen the gap, but the Spanish driver will want to recapture his position. Both will also have to keep a close eye on Alex Quinn (Arden Motorsport), who is now seven points adrift in the race for the rookie title.

The top five drivers will also play a key role in the battle for the team title. Led by Victor Martins, ART Grand Prix could win the championship as soon as Saturday, but R-ace GP, MP Motorsport, JD Motorsport and Arden Motorsport will all try their best to extend the fight to the season-finale.

With pressure gradually increasing among the various contenders, Grégoire Saucy (ART Grand Prix), William Alatalo (JD Motorsport) and Ugo de Wilde (Arden Motorsport) will give it everything they’ve got to end their season on a high with a first win this season. Full of confidence following his first podium in the Formula Renault Eurocup last Sunday, Hadrien David (MP Motorsport) will also try to keep his momentum going to battle for his first race win this weekend.

Something to race for

While most eyes will be on the title battles, several drivers will make the most of the penultimate round of the year to get noticed ahead of their next challenges.

Mercedes-AMG protégé Paul Aron (ART Grand Prix) hopes to capitalise on his previous visits at Hockenheim to get back into the top ten of the general classification, as will Tijmen van der Helm (FA Racing), who will make his debut at the Bade-Wurtemberg track.

At the same time, Petr Ptáček (MP Motorsport), Amaury Cordeel (FA Racing), Michael Belov and László Tóth (Bhaitech Racing) also intend to use their prior Hockenheim experience to join the skirmish at the sharp end of the order while Reshad De Gerus (Arden Motorsport) and Nicola Marinangeli (Bhaitech Racing) would like to confirm their end of season rise by scoring a good haul of points before the season-finale at Circuit Paul RIcard.

Both qualifying sessions and races from Hockenheim will be broadcast live on the Renault Sport Series Facebook page and Renault Sport YouTube channel.

Timetable

Friday November 6
9h50–10h25 Free practice 1
11h45–12h30 Free practice2

Saturday November 7
9h40–10h00 Qualifying 1
16h10–16h50 Race 1

Sunday November 8
9h40–10h00 Qualifying 2
16h10–16h50 Race 2

Entry list