Winning the European Formula 3 Open title has led to Renault inviting me to a test session at the Alcaniz circuit. The morning session was devoted to all the 2011 champions and those drivers who got a podium finish in the most important motor sport series. All the international and national F3, F. Renault 2.0, GP3 championships and so on. The car we were given was a World Series 3.5 by Renault. A carbon-fibre single-seater all but identical to a Formula 1 car of a few seasons back, with a 3,500 cc engine developing 470 hp, a steering wheel gearshift, carbon brakes and ground effects. An exceptional racing car placed a Formula 1 context.
I have to say I’m satisfied with how the test went. Even though there were drivers with experience of testing with the Renault-powered Dallara, I set the 10th time out of 26 champions. To be honest, it could have been 3rd, a position I held for some time. Unfortunately, slower cars on the track that were either warming up or cooling down their tyres compromised my fast laps on new tyres. But that’s OK! Big thanks to Renault and the ISR team for the opportunity!
WSR 3.5 TEST: Formula 1 style
29/11/2011