Toronto, Canada (May 26, 2011) – Robert Wickens returns to action in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series this weekend with the Canadian tackling the world’s most famous street circuit as Round 4 of the 2011 season stops off in the renowned Principality of Monaco, Saturday 28th – Sunday 29th May.
The streets of Monte Carlo feature a packed schedule of Europe’s finest open-wheel racing series this weekend, capped with the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon. Toronto-born Wickens is keen to add his name to the illustrious list of winners who have triumphed on the 3.34km street course.
The 22-year-old will also be looking for a healthy dose of points having surrendered his series lead after a challenging third round at Monza two weeks earlier. Having led the championship arriving in Italy, secured by a first win of the season in Round 2, the Carlin racer endured a double no-score thanks to a pair of DNF’s at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza.
He subsequently dropped to third behind team-mate and new points leader, France’s Jean Eric Vergne and American Alexander Rossi in second. While he left empty-handed, Wickens, who owns three podiums this season, once again proved to be one of the pace-setters throughout the weekend both in terms of qualifying speed, capturing a pole position, and race pace, setting the fastest lap in the Saturday event before his retirement.
“I’m feeling very positive heading into this weekend’s race,” stated Wickens, Runner-Up in the GP3 Series last season. “Speed hasn’t been an issue for us this season so I’m confident that we can be up there when it matters most. I love street circuits, I’ve obviously raced on a few in North America. I’m looking forward to getting out there and racing around Monaco.
“We’re qualifying in two groups and I think it’s safe to say that the second group will have the advantage with more rubber on the track. I can only worry about trying to be fastest in my group and the rest will take care of itself. Hopefully I can close the gap in the points chase and keep myself firmly in the championship fight.”
Round 4 of the Formula Renault 3.5 Series starts with qualifying held at 9am CET on Saturday 28th May while the race starts at 11am CET on Sunday 29th May.
2011 FR3.5 Series Top-5 Driver Standings (R3/9): 1st – Vergne (FRA) 90pts, 2nd – Rossi (USA) 73pts, 3rd – WICKENS (CAN) 71pts, 4th – Costa (ESP) 62pts, 5th – Korjus (EST) 50pts - www.worldseriesbyrenault.com
Photo – ‘Canada’s Robert Wickens in 2011 Formula Renault 3.5 Series action’ – Paulo Pellegrini
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