This last day of preparation for the Formula Renault Eurocup began on a damp track surface as the rain began to fall before anyone could set a time.

Christian Lundgaard (MP Motorsport) led the way in the opening session with a time of 2:19.973s. The Dane was followed by Alexander Smolyar (Tech 1 Racing) and Victor Martins (R-ace GP). Just before the rain returned, the Renault Sport Academy driver did it again in session two with a lap of 2:11.057s to beat out Max Defourny (MP Motorsport) and Logan Sargeant.

After the lunch break, the switch to slick tyres came during session three. Max Defourny went to the top of the timing screen with a lap of 1:58.117s, ahead of Yifei Ye and Richard Verschoor (Josef Kaufmann Racing). The pace was even faster in the final session. Max Fewtrell put in the quickest lap of the day in 1:54.939s while Logan Sargeant, Yifei Ye, Richard Verschoor and Christian Lundgaard completed the top five.

Next Friday, the Formula Renault Eurocup will open the 2018 season at Circuit Paul Ricard (April 13-15).

Session 1 - Session 2 - Session 3 - Session 4 - Day 2

Max Fewtrell finishes in style

Max Fewtrell (R-ace GP): “It is really good for the confidence to end the winter tests and head to the first meeting of the season with this performance. Despite some things here and there, we always knew we were in the mix. For sure, we need to get the work done next week in qualifying. The gaps are really tight and I think that there will be many of us going for the pole. Even my rookie team mates have done an excellent job. It’s going to be fascinating and we’ll have to be on point!”

Richard Verschoor and Neil Verhagen are ready to give it their all

Richard Verschoor (Josef Kaufmann Racing): “These are just tests, so I didn’t add any extra pressure this winter. Next week everyone will put their cards on the table and I think the results will be totally different. I feel really comfortable in my new team with Josef and Lars Kaufmann, as well as the mechanics, my engineer and team mates. We shared all the work. Last year, I didn’t have the best season of my career, but this year I am confident and I will give it all I’ve got.”

Neil Verhagen (Tech 1 Racing): “This winter, everyone followed their own testing programme. As for us, we are all on the same page and we are satisfied with the job we’ve done. We were not worried about lap times. The serious stuff begins next week. In the Red Bull Junior Team, there is always some pressure, but you get used to it. To be the only driver in the Formula Renault Eurocup doesn’t change my approach of giving it my best each and every time!”

Xavier Lloveras reduces the gap

Xavier Lloveras (AVF by Adrián Vallés): “The tests at Hockenheim were complicated, but we have significantly reduced the gap since Circuit Paul Ricard. We are good on a wet track, but we need to gain more ground in dry conditions! In any case, I am starting the season more confident than last year. I am continuing my learning process with the Formula Renault and I am a lot more comfortable behind the wheel. The communication is good in the team. We have all learned a lot to compensate for the absence of a very experienced driver. I am expecting us to be in the top ten by the third meeting.”

Maxwell House at JD Motorsport

Thomas Maxwell (JD Motorsport): “I felt at home straight away at JD Motorsport. I get on well with my engineer and my team mates. Lorenzo has often been fast and I hope we can keep working well together. During the six days of tests, we have progressively reached our objectives in order to be ready for the first race next Saturday. So far, our debut has been promising and the top five seems to be achievable if I can bring everything together. I can’t wait for the season to begin!”

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