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The 2019 Formula Renault Eurocup season is well and truly upon us with the first drivers’ announcements as well as the first on-track public running of the new car, entrusted to the 2018 Champion Max Fewtrell.
Since the presentation at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in October, Renault Sport Racing and its partners Tatuus, Oreca, Elf and Hankook have been actively involved in the development of the new Formula Renault. Max Fewtrell behind the wheel.
The new car made its first public appearance on-track at the Vairano circuit. Defending Formula Renault Eurocup champion, Max Fewtrell covered 250 kilometers on the Italian track this Friday.
What the Briton found was a car featuring improved aerodynamics, a 270-horsepower 1.8l turbo engine derived from the New Renault Mégane R.S. as well as Hankook Ventus F200 tyres. This package is designed to cement the Formula Renault as the ideal step between entry-level series and the new FIA International F3 Championship. The field is taking shape
Meanwhile, the grid continues to fill up with the announcements of Victor Martins, Oscar Piastri and Kush Maini, three drivers who should be among the front-runners in the category.
The 2017 French F4 Junior Champion was fifth with two wins and six podium finishes in his rookie season in the Formula Renault Eurocup. The Frenchman will aim for the title with MP Motorsport. He will have to contend though with the Australian, who will take his seat at R-ace GP. With three podium results and two wins among the rookies, Oscar Piastri’s ambitions will be boosted in joining the squad that took both titles in 2018.
In addition, Kush Maini will make the step up to Formula Renault Eurocup. Coming through the ranks of Italian F4, the Indian driver finished third in the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship this year. He has now decided to take on the challenge of one of the most competitive feeder series’ in the world with the M2 Compétition team. Points revaluated for the FIA Super Licence
The last World Motor Sport Council took notice of the Formula Renault Eurocup qualities as Renault Sport Racing introduces its new car and still offers a calendar exclusively composed of F1 tracks, including Monaco. The FIA Super Licence points will now be awarded to the top nine finishers – instead of the top five – on a points scale of 18-14-12-10-6-4-3-2-1, which will be the same as the regional F3 championships organized in America and Asia.
Quotes Max Fewtrell, 2018 Formula Renault Eurocup Champion: « It has been a huge honour for me to drive the new Formula Renault chassis number 1 and I would like to say thanks to Renault and its partners for this opportunity. My first impression is really good. Straight away, I felt the car was evenly balanced and it just feels really nice in the corners. The additional power nicely compensates for the weight increase due to the introduction of the different safety elements, including the new anti-intrusion side panels and the halo… when you’re pushing you don’t even notice there’s one! I’ve had a good experience as well with the Hankook tyres in previous championships and it’s living up to its reputation as it allows for getting the most from the extra downforce the car offers, especially in the high-speed corners. Overall, I had a terrific time and it looks like it’s the perfect fit for the next generation of Formula Renault. »
Benoît Nogier, Renault Sport Racing Commercial Racing Director: « Enthusiasm has grown among our current and prospective customers as soon as we unveiled the new Formula Renault. This public outing was a perfect occasion to show the progress made since October as the first cars will be delivered next month. We are really excited for the season to begin so we can watch the top talents of this generation battle. In addition, we are delighted with the extension and revaluation of the FIA Super Licence points awarded to the best drivers in the Formula Renault Eurocup. This is a true testament to the work we have been doing for several years to provide the drivers with the best tools to reach the motor racing pinnacle. »
Press release Renault Sport
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