Canadian Resumes Formula Renault 3.5 Championship Bid

Round 7 of the 2011 Formula Renault 3.5 Series at Silverstone this weekend, Saturday 20th – Sunday 21st August, is the closest thing Canada’s Robert Wickens has to a ‘home’ race this year.

With the 22-year-old from Toronto basing himself during the season just a few miles away from Silverstone, in the town of Milton Keynes, the championship hopeful is looking to build on this year’s successes which include a pair of wins and a total of six podium finishes, placing him just four points behind series leader, France’s Jean Eric Vergne heading into the British double-header meeting (152pts – 148pts).

Disappointed to have lost the points lead to Vergne following a challenging weekend in Hungary at the start of July, the short summer-break has subsequently allowed Wickens both the opportunity to return to Canada and the chance to take stock of the season so-far and prepare for the final three rounds starting with Silverstone.

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the car,” stated the Marussia Motors-backed racer.  “Carlin always gives me a good car!  Combine that with the fact that I like Silverstone’s layout and I’m hoping for another strong weekend.  My approach certainly isn’t changing and all being well we’ll put the frustrations of Hungary behind us and bounce back with a return to the podium!”

Wickens, a Formula One reserve driver for the Marussia Virgin Racing team, remains focused on winning his first European title after runner-up finishes in F2 in 2009 and in the GP3 Series in 2010. 

“I think you’re always thinking of the championship,” said Robert.  “I’m only four points out at the moment and there’s 25 points up for grabs for a win and 18 for a second place and so on.  It’s extremely close so the best thing I can do is aim for wins and see what follows.  I’ve enjoyed the break we’ve had to be honest.  It’s a great opportunity to recharge your batteries a bit.  I’ve kept in touch with the team throughout and been speaking to my engineers a lot.  I’m confident we’re going to come back strong at Silverstone and keep things interesting!”

Round 7 of the Formula Renault 3.5 Series starts with Race 1 held at 8am EST / 1pm GMT on Saturday, followed by Race 2, also at 8am EST / 1pm GMT, on Sunday 21st August.

2011 FR3.5 Series Top-5 Driver Standings (R6/9): 1st – Vergne (FRA) 152pts, 2nd – WICKENS (CAN) 148pts, 3rd – Korjus (EST) 110pts, 4th – Rossi (US) 101pts, 5th – Costa (ESP) 100pts - www.worldseriesbyrenault.com