16/04/2007
World Series by Renault To Build On Impressive Showing

World Series by Renault is to make a welcome return to Donington Park in 2007 aiming to build on the massive success of last year’s event. Retaining its spot at the beginning of September, the free motorsport event featuring Formula Renault 3.5, Eurocup Mégane Trophy and Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 alongside Formula Renault UK and the ELF Renault Clio Cup will thrill the Leicestershire venue on 8th/9th September.

A crowd of more than 90,000 made the 2006 World Series by Renault meeting at Donington Park one of the year’s biggest motorsport events in the UK. The two-day event, part of a nine-leg European tour showcasing Renault’s prestigious single-seater and saloon car Championships, drew 34,512 people on Saturday, 9th September and a further 56,734 on Sunday, 10th September for a total of 91,246. The crowd equals Donington Park’s previous record set at the British MotoGP in 2004 and is the circuit’s biggest crowd ever for a car event.

Many of the spectators who came to the Leicestershire circuit were attending a motorsport event for the first time and they weren’t disappointed by the action both on and off the track. The highlight for many was the appearance of Renault F1 Team’s World Championship-winning R25, in which Fernando Alonso won the World Drivers’ title and Renault won the World Constructors’ title, French racer Jonathan Cochet at the wheel.

Also on track were races for Formula Renault 3.5 races, Eurocup Mégane Trophy races and Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 races, which make up the World Series by Renault programme. Supporting them were the Formula Renault UK with Michelin Championship and the crowd-pleasing ELF Renault Clio Cup, which produced two enthralling races each.

In addition, fans were given plenty to enjoy off-track thanks to a packed infield at the 2.50-mile circuit. Centred around the Renault Village were Formula One simulators, a Renault exhibition stand, funfair, merchandising store and a collectors’ area showcasing more than 230 Renaults, including a 1899 Renault Type A. These cars held parades during the weekend, coinciding with a pitlane walkabout that gave fans a chance to see the racing cars up close.

Throughout the weekend, fans were kept up to date with all the action via Radio Renault, a special FM station set up for the weekend. Radio Renault carried commentary on all the on-track action, as well as interviews with drivers and VIP guests to give the crowds a unique insight into the meeting.

The weekend coincided with two significant events in global motorsport with successes for two former drivers. Last season’s Formula Renault 3.5 Champion Robert Kubica finished on the podium at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, while 2003 Formula Renault UK Champion Lewis Hamilton was crowned GP2 Champion. Fans will be watching closely in the coming seasons to see if any of the drivers on show this weekend can follow in their illustrious wheel-tracks.

Commenting on the success of the weekend, which literally outshone last year’s rain-soaked debut event, Renault UK’s ex Managing Director Philippe Talou-Derible said: “My guess is that a lot of people came for the first time this weekend. They took the opportunity to see some great racing and experience what the event is all about. They maybe didn’t know what to expect but they have seen a lot of good racing and been able to get close to everything. Apart from the pitlane, fans can watch from anywhere on the track and literally touch the cars and get a feel for what motorsport is about.

“The atmosphere at the circuit was outstanding as people discovered motor racing. Most of the attractions on the infield were free of charge and it was great to see so many people getting into the spirit and wearing Renault’s colours.”