How the World Series by Renault is propelling drivers towards F1

In automobile competitions, driving ability is the number one priority. However, unearthing the hidden gem from among 50 drivers competing in two major categories of the World Series by Renault (the Formula Renault 3.5 Series and the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0) is no easy task.

In order for the best performers to stand out, the rules ensure total fairness between drivers.

“There are, in fact, two aspects” Jean-Pascal Dauce informs us. “Firstly, Renault Sport provides them with the same equipment. Then, the way the weekends are structured enables the most talented drivers to showcase their skills. There is no reverse-order grid system, for example, but one qualifier per race”. Also, during the second Formula Renault 3.5 race, drivers are obliged to change their tyres. This can incite them to put strategies into play.

With Formula 1 introducing ever more complex technology, the World Series by Renault is adapting. Renault is updating, developing and providing engines, chassis and aerodynamic technology for all competing teams. “Drivers have, for example, DRS at their disposal, and gear boxes similar to those used in F1. This is vital for their training” states the Head of Competition.

In Formula 1 physical and mental preparation play a highly important role in the day to day life of drivers. Their meals are weighed right to down to the last salad leaf. Although the World Series is not quite as demanding in this respect, young hopefuls already benefit from a similar approach. “They have the opportunity to train with simulators”, the director tells us. “We regularly organise meetings between our drivers and professionals from the world of F1, as was the case recently in Spa and Milton Keynes, where they were able to meet members of the Red Bull team”.

For World Series drivers, the route to F1 has never been so hard to complete as it is today. The current economic climate is pushing racing teams to recruit wealthy yet less talented drivers who come with lucrative sponsorship deals. For the Formula Renault 2.0 and 3.5 champions, spots in the top division are becomingly increasingly rare – and expensive. “It is clear that this is leading to a slowdown in terms of renewing the F1 old guard” the Head of Competition observes.

Indeed, the World Series by Renault is confronted with the same problem, albeit on a smaller scale. Other groups that train up potential F1 drivers have bigger budgets.

“For a driver, training with us costs, on average, half the price of training with others”, Jean-Pascal Dauce tells us. Given the long list of F1 drivers that these championships have produced, however, the methods seem to be no less effective.