The flagship of the World Series by Renault, the Formula Renault 3.5 Series has established itself as the benchmark when it comes to discovering and developing the Formula One stars of tomorrow. The competition’s format and the technologies used in the Formula Renault 3.5 have both contributed to its elevated status.
Any driver looking to reach the pinnacle of motorsport has some tricky decisions to make, such as which driver development programme, which championship and which team to choose.
In answer to those questions, Renault Sport Technologies has set about creating a pyramid that is clear in its intentions, as well as being coherent and practical. The last rung on the climb up to Formula One, the Formula Renault 3.5 Series has proved its worth by unearthing some of F1’s men of the moment, Sebastian Vettel chief among them.
A high-class discipline, the Formula Renault 3.5 Series takes place largely on F1-approved circuits, calling in at Monza, Monaco, Spa-Francorchamps, the Hungaroring and the Circuito de Jerez. The calendar is designed to avoid clashes with the Formula One season, thus allowing F1 reserve drivers to compete in the championship.
With a view to rewarding pure performance, each weekend follows a format that is both simple and fair. Race days begin with a qualifying session followed by a race lasting 44 minutes and one lap, with the second race of the weekend also featuring a pit stop during which at least two tyres must be changed. This brings an element of team strategy into the equation and helps drivers get acquainted with a crucial aspect of Formula One.
Also designed with driver development in mind, the Formula Renault 3.5 comes equipped with technology used at the very highest level, such as semi-automatic gearboxes, carbon brakes and DRS. The combination of a 530bhp V8 engines, considerable downforce and Michelin tyres results in an extremely efficient car, capable of cornering at high speed.
As well as developing motorsport’s brightest young hopes, the Formula Renault 3.5 Series gives the very best a route into F1. At the halfway stage of the season the championship leader is invited to take to the wheel of the Infiniti Red Bull Racing RB8 for a demonstration drive at a World Series by Renault meeting. Then, at the end of the year, the champion is rewarded with a day’s testing with the four-time world champion’s team, an opportunity that has already proved decisive in making that final step to the top possible. (formularenault.com/arl)
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