>n.13 August 2014 Storming Rookies

l Chasing de Vries l Dream Tracks l Getting to know: l Clio Cup, the final showdown 2 Chasing de Vries

There are just two rounds to go before the end of the championship, and Jerez. Action will be back in September but so far the McLaren junior driver has 70 points more than his closest rival, rookie

3

Imola, Pau, , Spa- limited to that as he's probably the top man Francorchamps and Monza. It seems of the field given his long F.Renault 2.0 yesterday when everything got started, but experience as he's at his third year. Putting the ALPS series already him at the top of the list is thus a logical Ilined-up for five of its seven rounds of 2014. choice. Behind him, a fight developed The first part of the season flowed away between several drivers and there hasn't tightly but smoothly before the well-deserved been a clear contender able to recover the break after Monza in June. The summer points that Koiranen Racing driver rarely lost break will be useful for many driver in order along the way. It could have been Matevos to recharge their batteries and line-up again, Isaakyan, but in the Monza round, the and ready to impress, for the closing stint Russian JD Motorsport driver didn't take the scheduled between September and October occasion and leaving way to Charles between Mugello and Jerez de la Frontera. A Leclerc. The young Monaco-based driver, stint that will also deliver the name of the fielded by , is growing up 2014 Champion. The list of possible well and fought for wins after progressively candidates is getting shorter and shorter, improving his experience as he's at his first with a name clearly on top of it: Nyck de season in open-wheel racing, in a process Vries. The Dutch racer was the dominator of that required some time. Now he's second in the early part of the year, scoring all the points, followed by Isaakyan closely. On the points he could and now he's leading the other hand, the latter can recriminate for championship with seventy points more than missing Round 1 due to age limits as he was his closest rival. But his strengths are not still not 16.

4 Drivers Standings

1 – 200 2 – Charles Leclerc 130 3 – Matevos Isaakyan 122 4 – George Russell 77 5 – Simon Gachet 68 6 – Alessio Rovera 65 7 – Dario Capitanio 45 8 – Luke Chudleigh 36 9 – Ben Barnicoat 32 10 – Sebastien Morris 31 11 – Alex Bosak 30 12 – Akash Nandy 25 13 – Andrew Tang 24 14 – Philo Paz Patric Armand 23 15 – Denis Korneev 22 16 – Martin Kodric 18 17 – Stefan Riener 15 18 – Hugo De Sadeleer 15 19 – Pietro Fittipaldi 10 20 – Marek Boeckmann 7 21 – Semen Evstigneev 6 22 – Matteo Gonfiantini 5 23 – Dennis Anoschin 2 24 – James Allen 2 Matevos Isaakyan with Leclerc and Rovera at Monza 5 While waiting to understand how the points score who fought with Isaakyan in the first part of the situation will develop, Monza delivered two more race. The JD Motorsport driver kept the lead of the spectacular races. As said, the wins went to charts, but he was soon passed by his opponent, Leclerc who, after a difficult start of the season, gaining ground on each lap and cruising to another continued to grow up as he moved from points win in a weekend that will remain steeped in his finishes to podiums and then victories. He experience. After the tough outcome of Race 1, accomplished what isn't an extremely easy climb Isaakyan was back to the podium although for a driver coming from karts, but it showed that he had to fend off the wild attacks of Rovera and the skills and dedication that everybody pointed out Dario Capitanio, who gave their 100% in an effort for the Monaco-based driver are real. After starting to score second place and fight with each other for in second, the Fortec Motorsport driver took the podium. In the end, it was the advantage of the jump-start of Stefan Riener, who Cram Motorsport driver to end up in thirds as he got a 10-second penalty for the infraction. So brought home the second best points score of the Leclerc, who was in second, only had to control the weekend. For Capitanio, the great fourth place situation, making sure that his gap didn't go over confirms the skills showed so far by the BVM that amount. So this is how his first open-wheel Racing-fielded Roman. In fifth came the surprise of and Formula Renault ALPS win developed. Behind the weekend, Pietro Fittipaldi. him, Alessio Rovera scored his second podium The Brazilian-American youngster, nephew of finish of the season, delivering a clean race and , raced well and scored his first keeping recovering de Vries at bay. For Rovera, points in the series. After making his debut driving a Cram Motorsport-prepared car, it's been a at Spa-Francorchamps, he showed what he's good satisfaction and, in the end, he was followed capable of in as he topped for the whole race by team-mate Riener, who recovered well in a de Vries, who suffered from a chronic lack series he only approached at Spa-Francorchamps. of top-end speed. With four races remaining, the de Vries took fourth place in a good comeback fight will be among three drivers. Seventy points are after qualifying brought him only to a spot in row 5. a lot to recover, but it's clear that Leclerc and A DNF came for Matevos Isaakyan, who retired Isaakyan will try to keep the championship alive after a contact with a lapped car.ì until the end. It's almost impossible, but never say The second race confirmed the strength of Leclerc, never in racing.

Simon Gachet Alessio Rovera

Stefan Riener

Luke Chudleigh 6 Danylo Pronenko

7 8 Interview with Charles Leclerc “The ALPS is the perfect way to learn” The Monaco-based rookie, who took two brilliant wins at Monza and who is now second in the championship, tells us more on his season start and future commitments

9 10 Charles Leclerc came from karting and good result at the end of the weekend". For me his help is really important because made his F.Renault ALPS debut. After a he takes care of the things that are not short time to regroup, he cruised to victory Was it difficult to move from karting to driving so I can focus on that Cin ALPS and went consistently on the single seaters? compartment". podium in Eurocup competition. Born and "It's a completely different world. In karting raised in Monaco, he's part of the "young everything is agitated, here your much What do you think of your former driver" camp of Nicolas Todt. A man who more calm. Technically-wise, for example karting colleagues that moved straight brought many talented drivers to success. the braking is something that has nothing to F.3? The 16-year-old racer shared some to do with it and that you have to learn "It's just another road you can choose. thoughts about his experiences, again. But more than that it's the Everybody can do what they want, but we expectations and motivations. environment. You need to have an open decided to follow the Renault path because mind and listen to the engineers. On a kart it's the best one. The level is high and you you rely on the feeling, while here you have can learn how to drive in extreme How the season is going? Are you a lot more telemetry, and if you listen what competition, more than in Formula 3. In satisfied? is told to you, you learn tons of things. Sure Eurocup we're all in 3 or 4 tenths and every "At the moment, it's going really well. Im it's difficult having to change what you rival can be quick soon. And for that second in the ALPS championship and learned so far". reason, who wins proves his talent". we're improving race-by race. In the Eurocup, in the first round I entered at Spa- And for the close-quarter battles, does You live in Monaco. What do you like Francorchamps I didn't know the track and karting help? about it? it hasn't been easy to navigate the pack, "It's different, also in that compartment. In "I love it. There is always good weather, the while at the Nurburgring, a track that I there's no time to think. You sea, great chances to train in open air. I already knew, it's been better and the have to act quickly and based on instinct. don't like to be shut in a gym. It's boring. results came with a podium finish. Although That's why there are more contacts and And Monte Carlo is the ideal solution". I have to say that the level is quite high". crazy moves. In a car you have more time, and usually the drivers act in a 'smarter' When did you start thinking about a What's the main difference between way". professional career? Where do you ALPS and Eurocup for a driver? see yourself in the future? "The difference is the competition at the How the relationship with Nicolas Todt Up to 2009 it was all about having fun, but top. In ALPS, if you have a gap of three or started and how does he help you? then I decided that I wanted to be a driver four tenths, you're still close to the top, "It all started when I won the Monaco Kart and make it a job. So starting with the while in the Eurocup you slip far away. Cup. Jules Bianchi, who is a friend of mine, International KF3 everything became much That's why the ALPS is a good for learning, talked Nicolas about me. I met Jules when I more serious. I see myself in Eurocup for while at the Nürburgring, while there are a started at his kart track when I was 5. Then next year probably. But for the rest, we lot of quick drivers like Nyck de Vries, there we went for an appointment in Geneve and don't have goals, we proceed step-by-step is also the chance to improve and get a then we started to work together in 2010. in a multi-year program".

11 The Heir Let's discover more on Pietro Fittipaldi, nephew of 2-time Formula 1 World Champion Emerson, who entered the ALPS rounds at Spa-Francorchamps at Monza

In 1972 at Monza his grandfather Emerson addition to his grandfather, Max Papis, who is Fittipaldi scored a spectacular win that proved now Emerson's son-in-law, is following him crucial in order to secure that season's closely. "After Monza I spoke with my Formula 1 world tite. Forty-two years later, grandfather - says Pietro - He was really happy Ianother Fittipaldi put his name in the roster of for the result but also because I had made the northern Italian circuit. It's Pietro, nephew another step in my growth path, getting more of Emerson, who made his Formula Renault experienced and learning something new. I 2.0 debut at Spa-Francorchamps before love this sport, and this is the sole reason why moving to Monza, where he scored his maiden I started racing". points with a fifth place in Race 2. Born on May 25th, 1996 in Miami, he started racing with go-karts before moving to stock-car competition. In 2011, he made history becoming the first latino driver to win a NASCAR title in the Limited Late Model Series with four wins, at the age of 15. In 2013, he moved to single seaters and moved to Europe where he entered the British F.4 championship and the local F.Renault series. The same championship he's currently running in and that is featuring him at the top of the charts with MGR Racing, the same team that fielded him in the F.Renault ALPS. In

12 13 When did you start racing? for now I have to concentrate on what I am "I started racing when I was 7 years old". doing and take everything step by step".

In which category on which car? What do you think about the "It was kid kart". championship? Is it difficult?

I guess that you surname weighed on "Yes it’s a very difficult championship, there your choices about racing, yet how are many good drivers with experience so it much of your passion there has been has been good for me to learn and gain in it? experience as well". "There was no pressure from my family for me to start racing. My dad gave me a kid What are expecting in next two kart for my birthday and I would ask him rounds? every week to go practice. I loved it, and that’s how it started". "Well I am not sure if I am doing the next two rounds, but if I do I expect them to be Why did you choose Formula Renault difficult. As the championship is coming to 2.0 alps? an end drivers that are going for the "It’s a very competitive championship with a championship will be fighting for every point strong grid of cars. And we are doing a they can get". couple rounds of the championship so I can learn and prepare for next year". Where do you live? "My family lives in the United States but Why did you choose this team and are when I am racing I live in the UK, by you getting on well with them? myself". "I race with MGR in the Protyre Formula Renault in the UK and we are currently Is it Motorsport your goal in life? leading the championship. MGR also "Yes motorsport is my ultimate goal in life, I wanted to move up to European love racing and I am working on making a championships so we decided to do one or career out of it". two races and it’s going great, they are a very good team". After races in Monza did you speak to grandpa Emerson? What are your goals? "Yes I spoke to my grandfather. "My goal is like almost any other driver, He was happy with the result, which is to be a F1 world champion one and happy that I am learning and gaining day. But it is very difficult just to get to F1 so experience".

14 15 Dream Tr

16 After having analyzed Imola, the Red Bull Ring, Pau and Spa-Francorchamps, we now go get some more info on the two Italian Cathedrals racks of Speeds, Monza and Mugello One of the strongest pillars of the Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS is the chance to race on a host of tracks that guarantee the drivers a complete experience. At the end of the season, the drivers will have been running on Formula 1 venues (Monza, Red Bull Ring Oand Spa-Francorchamps) and on other circuits that will enable them to face the situations that they will encounter during the rest of their career. Places like Imola, Pau, Mugello and Jerez enable them to understand difficult corners, up-and-down sections, off-banking bends and to keep the concentration high on street course. This provides them with a wide range of variables that are needed for their professional growth. After having asked the drivers about Imola, Red Bull Ring and Spa-Francorchamps in the previous issue, now it's time for Monza and Mugello. Two gems of motorsport, where memorable pages of motorsports history have been written. Two circuits that are different from one another, but that can provide plenty of breath-taking action. Monza, the true Cathedral of Speed, is worthy of its fame. The long straights mean very high speeds, but the chicanes also need some serious braking, and that braking zone are ideal for overtaking. In addition to that, the Parabolica and the two Lesmo corners must be approached the right way to avoid losing time. The Mugello Circuit is considered one of the world's finest. It's up-and-down flow made more than one drivers fall in love when the series was back a few years ago for testing. Its corners require skills and courage and will provide the young drivers with an unique chance to improve their experience. Let's hear from their own words as Daniele Cazzaniga and Matteo Gonfiantini, both among the stars of the F.Renault ALPS share thoughts on these two world-class tracks.

17 Daniele Cazzaniga (GSK) - Monza “I would race there more than once”

“I live five minutes away from the track and I go there since I was 6. Monza is definitely my home track and I was really excited when I drove there for the first time. It's a technical track where long straights are paired with big braking zones and demanding corners. Parabolica, for example, is one of the world's best corners for me. You get in at high speed after the opposite straight and you never really know the exact moment you need to apply the throttle again. Leaving your car slip towards the exit is unique. That's the place where you can secure a fast laptime, as well as the Ascari and the two Lesmo corners, that are respectively a fast chicane and two quick corners that I really like. The braking zone for the Prima Variante is sensational too as you arrive there at 25 Km/h. For a guy who needs to grow, it's an experience not to miss. If it was for me, I would make the championship visit Monza more than once per year".

18 Matteo Gonfiantini (TS Corse) - Mugello “The most spectacular track in the world”

“I consider Mugello one of the most spectacular tracks in the world. It's a very fast circuit, with tough corners and rapid elevation changes. I love it and I consider it very formative in terms of the driver's growth. Also, it's my home circuit and I have gone there since I was a kid. The section with the two Arrabbiata corners is incredible, like Bucine. It's a downhill corner with negative banking that takes you off. You have to be good to do it properly. But talking just about some corners is reductive. All the circuit is definitely demanding and exciting. You get a phenomenal feeling lapping there. In a complete schedule like the Formula Renault ALPS one, Mugello couldn't be missini. It really rises the series' level".

19 With two rounds to go Five points. This is the gap that putting his skills to test in a sensational scheduled at Mugello separates championship leader Oscar challenge in order to put his name in FNogues from his main rival in the the series' roll of honour. This is the and Vallelunga, the gap chase for the Clio Cup Italia title, DNA of the Clio Cup Italia, a between the two Simone Iacone. Just a handful of championship that delivered points that came out of the two races excitement at all levels with hard- frontrunners is narrow, held in Monza and will be in place for fought races that are usually decided just five points. A great the rest of the summer before team under the checkered flag. The and drivers will be back on-track again exceptional finale that everybody is battle is expected on the 7th of September at Mugello. expecting will involve two drivers, between the Spanish The gap is so tiny that a last gasp to Nogues and Iacone, that have all what racer, fielded by the the finish is expected. The next four it takes, and will do all what it takes, to races, at Mugello and Vallelunga, will take home the crown. And maybe their Rangoni Team and the provide the winner's name. But fight will be so heated to make some Italian Essecorse driver whoever will cruise to title, he will be of their other opponents, who now lay

Nogues e Iac 20 far away (but not too much) take full advantage of it. Theory leaves the door open to several different possibilities. Ivan Pulic is currently in third with 40 points to recover. Many, at a first sight. A competitive championship like the Clio Cup Italia can be reopened in every moment. Of course, the Lema Racing driver must hope that both the Rangoni Corse Spaniard and the Essecorse racer run into trouble. But how can someone not take that theory into account after all the surprises gotten so far?

one che sfida 21 And Monza was the perfect example for that, as seconds though due to an irregular manouver, Pulic's name was the first and strongest to emerge handing the victory to Pulic. On the other hand, the between the straights of the Italian Cathedral of Rangoni driver, who proved to be the fastest driver of Speed. The Croatian faced a stunning breakthrough the pack, rebounded with a win in Race 2 and that there. On Saturday, an early roll put his whole glory also propelled him to the championship lead. weekend in jeopardy, but the disaster was averted Daniele Pasquali was the initial leader from the thanks to his mechanics. The Lema Racing staff were reverse grid, but Massimiliano Danetti (MC phenomenal, managing to bring the Clio back on- Motortecnica) leapfrogged him before Melatini did track. And despite the few laps turned, Ivan qualified the same on both. At the start of lap 2, Nogues finally the car in seventh place. Then, on the following day, went into the lead while Pedalà gained third place. the Croatian was in the hunt and fought his way to Unfortunately, Pasquali was involved in a contact top, taking the lead within a four-car pack. Nogues with Pegoraro and was assessed a drive-trough was in front from the pole, before losing it in penalty. In the meantime, both Puccetti, who had a succession to Iacone (Esseorse) and Massimo rear suspension issue, and Lorenzo Nicoli had limped Ferraro (Melatini Racing-Veregra Competition). Then back to the pits. While Penalà slipped back to 5th, Nogues stoke back. With 12 minutes to go, the fight for third place involved Pulic and Ferraro, Massimiliano Pedalà, Melatini and Pulic caught the with the latter involved in a spectacular recovery from three frontrunners. First, it was Pedalà to hit the lead the back of the pack. Pulic prevailed at the photo- on lap 8, while Ferraro suffered from a puncture finish as he took second place away from Ferraro, following to a contact and retired due to the while Nogues ended his day at the front, almost consequent spin. With 2 minutes to go, Pulic cruised undisturbed. to the lead before being nipped to the line by Nogues After two very exciting races, it's clear that there's in a dash that featured four cars covered by less than plenty more to come. Especially now: every points 0.7 seconds. The Spaniard was later penalized 25 will be key and no mistakes will be forgiven.

22 Oscar Nogues

Drivers Standings 1 – Oscar Nogues 139 2 – Simone Iacone 134 3 – Ivan Pulic 99 Pedalà, Ferraro and Iacone 4 – Simone Melatini 80 5 – Lorenzo Nicoli 77 6 – Michele Puccetti 75 7 – Massimo Ferraro 67

Massimo Ferraro

8 – Luciano Gioia 29 9 – Daniele Pasquali 23 10 – Massimiliano Danetti 20 11 – Lorenzo Pegoraro 17 12 – Enrico Bettera 16 13 – Cristian Ricciarini 16 14 – Zeliko Cumurdzic 15 15 – Marco Cassarà 10 Massimiliano Danetti and Massimo Puccet-

23 Ivan rocks the Young Croatian Pulić is one of the new faces of the series, and he has already cruised to his maiden win at Monza. A gifted and award-winning guitarist, he decided to move to touring car racing to pursuit his dream of racing in the DTM

Ivan Pulić cruised to his first win in the right? important to learn how to battle in Clio Cup Italia at Monza after having had “Actually, no. I've always loved to play close quarters. Do you think that a first taste of victory in last year's Clio guitar so I focused on that. In 2007 i the Clio Cup can teach that aspect? Cup. Despite he his father is also entered a competition among Croatian “Definitely. I think that in terms of Iinvolved in racing, Ivan got a late start guitarists and I ended up being the managing battles the Clio Cup has no compared to many of his rivals but now number 1. After a bit, I woke up and I rivals in developmental racing. Also, he wants to catch up and become a thought that I was already a number one often the challenge on-track in much professional. We asked him about his with guitar... so I told my father that now closer than many other and more goals, his experience so far and why he I wanted to be number one in car racing famous championships. It's a very good chose the Fast Lane Promotion series. too”. compromise and it teaches you things that are definitely going to be useful in Why did you choose the Clio Cup So no more guitar for you? the rest of your career”. Italia? “I still play, but nothing at professional “My father is a three-time FIA Hillclimb level because I don't have the tim. Now Do you like the new Clio Cup car? champion and he still is a very strong I'm fully-focused in becoming a “Even if there isn't an huge difference in racer. There are some top hillclimb races successful racing driver. I started with terms of performance, the chassis of the in Italy so racing in the Clio Cup Italia some hillclimb races at 16 then I moved new Clio is very good. But I have to say was a good compromise in terms of to touringcars, becoming the youngest I'm a little traditionalist. I like old stuff. So logistics. Also, in addition to the Italian Croatian Champion in the Fabia while the paddleshift and ABS work great, championship, I also take part in some Biodiesel Cup. Now I joined the Clio Cup I prefer the old style, the classics. Eurocup Clio races”. because I want to become a Regarding the new turbo engine, I quickly professional racer”. figured it out. I started my career with a bi- Your father is also a racer, you turbo diesel car, so managing high loads should have started racing as a kid, Not having raced go-karts, it's very of torque is not a problem anymore”.

24 e field!

You are Croatian, and you race with a Slovenian team, Lema Racing. Do you understand each other? “Usually, Slovenian people can understand Croatian quite well, but not vice versa, and that might be an issue. But luckily my Team Manger is very good with languages, he speak five or six of them, plus I know English well. I have a great relationship with him, and he really helps me learning and to improve myself every time I go on-track. In terms of career, I'm not thinking to now. I want to prepare for the next steps, and I think to a path running over the next five or six years. The dream will be the DTM, or a professional series like the WTCC. I have to stay on the car as much as possible, log kilometers and progress. I focus on myself, while, regarding my opponents, my only thought is trying to stay in front of them”.

25 Protagonisti in volo

DOMENICO PORFIRI Organisation E-mail [email protected] BARBARA PETRIVELLI Coordinator E-mail [email protected] SABRINA ODUWOLE Assistant E-mail [email protected] Fast Lane Promotionis on Twitter @flp_renault

Press Office: Dario Lucchese (Garage Group) E-mail [email protected] Emanuele Fasano (Garage Group) E-mail [email protected] Written: Dario Sala - Graphics design: Inpagina Srl - Bologna - Photo: Actualfoto