Arden Motorsport head to Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours, this weekend [12-13 September] aiming to get back amongst the front-runners in the Formula Renault Eurocup.
Last weekend’s double-header at the Nurburgring proved to be character-building for the Banbury-based team; a frustrating qualifying put all three drivers on the back foot, with Alex Quinn scoring the team’s only points with ninth in the final race.
Motivation remains high, however, as the team heads across to France looking to bounce back in positive fashion – and with good reason.
The 2.7-mile Nievre-based circuit holds fond memories for Reshad De Gerus, the Reunionese driver claiming an emphatic double victory there on his way to the vice-champion honours in the French Formula 4 Championship last year.
The circuit is no stranger to Ugo de Wilde, either, the Belgian rising star scoring good points on both his prior visits in French F4.
For Quinn, Magny-Cours represents another new circuit, but the Brit’s podium-scoring form – one apiece in each of the opening two rounds this year – should see him back at the sharp end of the grid once again this weekend.
Thursday hosts a pair of collective tests, ahead of two qualifying sessions – one apiece on Friday (16:15 BST) and Saturday (09:30).
The first of two races gets underway at 16:20 later that day, with the final contest at 16:30 on Sunday.
As always, the action is available live and for free online via Renault Sport Series’ YouTube channel and social media platforms.
Ben Salter, Arden Formula Renault Team Manager said:
“Last weekend was a frustrating one across the entire team, but the important thing now is we pick ourselves up quickly and get ready for another double-header at Magny-Cours.
“Both Reshad and Ugo have good track records here in the junior categories and, although it’s another new circuit for Alex to learn and adapt to from scratch, he’s proved in the past that he can apply himself to that and really get the most from everything.
“It’s about how we bounce back, and I’m feeling confident all three drivers will go out and put us back among the sharp end of the grid this time out.”
Alex Quinn (#20) said:
“It’s was a very tough weekend at Nürburgring and so I’d really like to thank the team and in particular the engineers for their efforts throughout the weekend.
“Moving on to Magny Cours this weekend I’m feeling confident to go and set things right from the get go, I am also looking forward to learn and attack another brand-new circuit for me.”
Reshad De Gerus (#21) said:
“Nurburgring was a complicated weekend for us. We did our utmost to find solutions but this time we didn't really succeed.
“However, we are going to Magny-Cours this weekend which makes me extremely happy.
“Driving "at home" on a circuit that I love, where I had success last year in F4, I'm approaching this weekend with confidence and we're going to do everything we can to find a better dynamic.”
Ugo de Wilde (#27) said:
“Nurburgring definitely wasn’t the weekend we were aiming for. Our pace was really good in the very first session and then we were not able to find any more. Everyone did their best in order to find solutions to improve, but we’ve been struggling a bit this time.
“On the positive side, we have another go this weekend at Magny-Cours, where I’m sure we will find our pace back and be where we want to be.
“I know the track pretty well and I will keep working in order to reach my goals. It’s time to keep our heads up and keep working, next weekend can only be better!"