More modern, more powerful and even more integrated in the pyramid of success to the elite, the latest iteration of the Formula Renault is preparing to make its competition debut in ten weeks.
Developed by Renault Sport Racing and its technical partners, the New Formula Renault remains true to the philosophy that has been the success of the category for nearly half a century, while receiving all the latest safety elements, including the halo and lateral anti-intrusion panels.
On Wednesday defending champions R-ace GP and rivals MP Motorsport, Arden Motorsport and Tech 1 Racing among others took possession of their first Formula Renault FR-19, which is a combination of a Tatuus chassis, an Oreca-prepared 270 horsepower 1.8l turbo Renault engine and a set of Hankook tyres.
There was a back-to-school feel on Friday for everyone in the paddock at the Cremona Circuit, where Renault Sport Racing held a general shakedown. Each team was able to get a look at their new car or new environment, which was the case for new teams BhaiTech Racing, FA Racing by Drivex, Global Racing Service and M2 Competition.
In rather challenging conditions with a mix of rain and very low temperatures, Lorenzo Colombo and MP Motorsport got a productive day and the 2019 season underway in heading out first onto the track with the New Formula Renault.
In the next few weeks, the teams entered in the Formula Renault Eurocup will receive their second, then third car before seven days of collective tests at Magny-Cours, Castellet and Monza. The “Temple of Speed” will then host the first round of the calendar on April 12-14.
| Arden Motorsport | Patrik Pasma |
| BhaiTech Racing | Federico Malvestiti |
| FA Racing by Drivex | David Gonzalez |
| Global Racing Service | Xavier Lloveras |
| M2 Competition | Ricky Collard |
| MP Motorsport | Lorenzo Colombo |
| R-ace GP | Oscar Piastri |
| Tech 1 Racing | Frank Bird |
¹ AVF by Adrián Vallés and JD Motorsport could not attend the shakedown. In bold, drivers confirmed for the 2019 season.
Confirmed, but absent from the shakedown: Caio Collet (R-ace GP), Amaury Cordeel (MP Motorsport), Ugo de Wilde (JD Motorsport), Kush Maini (M2 Competition), Victor Martins (MP Motorsport), Petr Ptáček (BhaiTech Racing).
| Pre-season collective tests | |
|---|---|
| March 5-7 | Circuit Nevers Magny-Cours, France |
| March 15-16 | Circuit Paul Ricard, France |
| April 2-3 | Autodromo di Monza, Italy |
| 2019 season | |
| April 12-14 | Autodromo di Monza, Italy¹ |
| May 10-12 | Silverstone, United Kingdom¹ |
| May 23-26 | Monaco |
| May 31-June 2 | Circuit Paul Ricard, France |
| July 26-28 | Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium¹ |
| August 30-September 1 | Nürburgring, Germany¹ |
| September 6-8 | Hungaroring, Hungary¹ |
| September 27-29 | Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain |
| October 4-6 | Hockenheimring, Germany |
| October 24-26 | Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi |
¹ Pre-event test day scheduled
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