11 November 2020
Two titles to race for in the Formula Renault Grand Finale
As was the case in its inaugural campaign in 1971, the Formula Renault will conclude its 2020 season at Circuit Paul Ricard. The venue for the Formula 1 French Grand Prix will be the setting for a thrilling finale for the category’s 50th edition with two of the three titles to be decided!
With its calendar revamped due to a difficult global context, the Formula Renault Eurocup will indeed be held over ten meetings as initially planned for its 50th season.
Le Castellet is the final destination of the season. On this track known for its challenges such as the high-speed Signes sweeper and the Beausset double-right corner, the drivers and teams will all aim to end the year in style and be ideally positioned for their future endeavours.
Two drivers, one cup
With the Teams title already won right from its return to the category, ART Grand Prix has a chance to score the double by also winning the Drivers championship with Victor Martins.
With seven wins and 13 podiums this year, the French driver heads to the final round as odds-on favourite with a 44-point lead. A finish in the top six on Saturday will be enough to clinch the crown, but he knows better than anyone that nothing should ever be taken for granted in Formula Renault!
The only driver that can stand in his way, Caio Collet (R-ace GP) saw his record streak of 34 consecutive tops ten end with his first two retirements in the last three races.
With his back against the wall, it is now all or nothing for the Brazilian driver of the Renault Sport Academy who must win both races and hope for the best to have any chance of creating a surprise… As has often been the case in the category!
The stakes will be big for the winner of this final duel, who will join a prestigious honour roll spanning almost fifty years. The winning driver will also receive an unique timepiece from Formula Renault Eurocup partner, B.R.M. Chronographes.
Final duel in the rookie category
Another battle will oppose Alex Quinn (Arden Motorsport) and David Vidales (JD Motorsport) for the rookie crown.
Despite taking eight Hankook Trophies in his first ten races, David Vidales has seen Alex Quinn come roaring back with five wins in the last three meetings. The first driver to deliver a win to Arden Motorsport since 2017, the British has even moved to the top of the table with a six-point lead, but the Spaniard has in no way thrown in the towel!
Their confrontation could also see them gain ground on Franco Colapinto (MP Motorsport), who has built up a slim advantage in the battle for third place in the general classification by scoring a podium result in each of the last five meetings.
This two-pronged battle will also have its importance for their respective teams as MP Motorsport would like to clinch third place in the championship against Arden Motorsport and JD Motorsport. The three outfits are covered by just 11.5 points before heading to the final stop on the calendar.
New challengers?
As tough and competitive as ever, the Formula Renault Eurocup promises intensity throughout the field. This will be all the truer as the competitors will be keen to impress one last time before preparing their future campaigns in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine certified by the FIA or at the higher levels.
Last Sunday Lorenzo Colombo (Bhaitech Racing) became the sixth different race winner and now returns to a circuit where he was dominant last year to try to move into the top five of the general classification. With Tijmen van der Helm and Amaury Cordeel, FA Racing will try to emulate Bhaitech Racing to become the seventh team to win this year, but as usual the competition promises to be formidable.
Grégoire Saucy (ART Grand Prix) has already made a trip to the podium this season and now will aim for his maiden victory. William Alatalo (JD Motorsport), Ugo de Wilde (Arden Motorsport) and Hadrien David (MP Motorsport) share this goal to ensure their place in the top ten will help their respective teams in the battle for third place.
At the same time, rookies Paul Aron (ART Grand Prix) and Michael Belov (R-ace GP) will be keen to finish on a high note to show how much progress they’ve made while Petr Ptáček (MP Motorsport) will want to capitalise on his experience. Lastly, Reshad De Gerus (Arden Motorsport) will rely on his track knowledge to pull clear of László Tóth (Bhaitech Racing) and Nicola Marinangeli (Bhaitech Racing).
Third in the ADAC F4 Championship, Elias Seppänen will make his Formula Renault Eurocup debut with R-ace GP. Entered as a wild-card, the Finn will not be eligible to score points.
The two final races of the 50th season of Formula Renault will be broadcast live on the Renault Sport Series Facebook page and Renault Sport YouTube channel.
Timetable
Thursday November 12
12h40–16h40 Pre-event collective tests
Friday November 13
8h00–8h50 Collective tests 1
11h55–12h45 Collective tests 2
16h05–16h25 Qualifying 1
Saturday November 14
9h40–10h00 Qualifying 2
15h10–15h50 Race 1
Sunday November 15
10h30–11h10 Race 2