Arden Motorsport head to Circuit Paul Ricard, France this weekend (29-30 May) looking for an immediate response in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine.
The Banbury-based team will swap the Monte-Carlo coastline for the fast, flowing 3.6-mile Circuit Paul Ricard this time out after a mixed weekend in the Principality.
Despite that, Alex Quinn walked away within touching distance of the championship lead after a brace of points-scoring finishes and, although contact from other cars hampered both William Alatalo and Nicola Marinangeli’s progress, the pair arrive in Le Castellet ready to bounce back.
The team also sit well-placed to break back into the top three in the Teams’ standings, with just 14 points separating the Red Arrows from the competition ahead.
Paul Ricard has yielded several points finishes for the team in previous seasons, although podium finishes have been at a premium, a trend the trio will be aiming to break this weekend.
After two free practice sessions (12:00 & 17:20 CET) on Friday, the competitive action kicks off with qualifying at 08:30 on Saturday, ahead of the opening race that afternoon (14:20).
The format repeats again for Sunday, albeit at 09:00 and 14:30 respectively, with live coverage available on the championship’s YouTube channel.
Ben Salter, Arden Formula Regional Team Manager said:
“The entire team is looking ahead with optimism to this weekend’s Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine double-header at Paul Ricard.
“Monaco last time out was a little bruising, we definitely didn’t get out of the weekend what we put into it, so everyone’s arriving with a point to prove this time around.
“All things considered, it actually moved us back into the picture at the sharp end of the standings, so we’ve got something to work with. Now it’s about putting it all together and seeing where we end up.”
William Alatalo (#8) said:
"It’s nice to be back in Paul Ricard. Our pre-season tests went well there, so I’m expecting great results. Having a good qualifying is really important, but overtaking in the races is easier here than at previous tracks this season.
"It’s going to be an interesting race weekend, and I hope I can end the double header on high note!"
Nicola Marinangeli (#14) said:
"I wouldn't say Paul Ricard is one of my favourite tracks, but I know where I have to work from the pre-season test days and I’m going to do my best.
"Hopefully we can enjoy a strong weekend and get the results our pace has deserved recently."
Alex Quinn (#21) said:
"I feel really focused heading into this weekend and I’m really aiming to do the best I can.
"We had a positive pre-season test at Paul Ricard, so I need to take onboard everything we learned and put it into action."