Aleshin perfect, Hartley defeated

If Tech 1 Racing was able to count on Arthur Pic's victory in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, the Toulouse team did not have a good day in Formula Renault 3.5 Series despite the good adjustments of its cars. Daniel Ricciardo, who started at the back of the grid, was only able to move up to thirteenth place, while Brendon Hartley, unstoppable for most of the race, had to abandon.

It must be said that the New Zealander, for his second season in the discipline, must demonstrate his qualities as a driver at the wheel of a car that he knows well. Since the arrival of his teammate Red Bull Junior Team (Daniel Ricciardo), Brendon Hartley is put under pressure by an uninhibited Australian, crowned with a title in F3 British, and at the top of the FR 3.5 Series general classification at the start of the weekend.

This Saturday, Ricciardo started from the back of the grid, an opportunity for Hartley to show his advantage. Starting in fourth position, the New Zealander moved up to third place taking advantage of the poor start of Frenchman Nathanaël Berthon (International Draco Racing). Mikhail Aleshin (Carlin) maintains his pole advantage, ahead of Sten Pentus (Fortec) and Stefano Coletti (Comtec).

Not far from there, Nathanaël Berthon, well placed to score big points despite his first start, must battle against Albert Costa (Epsilon Euskadi). On the 4th lap, the Spaniard tried to infiltrate, but did not succeed, but Anton Neylitskyi tried to take advantage of it to pass both cars. The Russian touches Berthon at the back, who spins and loses many places.

As the battle for second place rages, Mikhail Aleshin escapes. Behind, Brendon Hartley overtook Sten Pentus with a tremendous overtake and set off in pursuit of the Russian leader. Continuing the fast laps, the New Zealander came back on Mikhail Aleshin, trying to take the race lead from him. But, on the 16th lap, the Red Bull Junior Team driver stopped his car at the side of the track and lets Aleshin race towards victory.

With Sten Pentus firmly in second place, the podium is almost set. Stefano Coletti, third, must however work to protect his position. Attacked from all sides, the Monegasque showed good resistance and managed to keep the advantage over Anton Nebylitskyi then Albert Costa.

« After my accident here last year, I am happy to be on the podium for the first time in the FR 3.5 Series at Spa, confesses Coletti. The last few laps were crazy, with Nebylitskyi and Costa. My tires were worse, I made some small mistakes, they tried to take advantage of it, but I didn't want to give up! »

« After my victory at Motorland Aragón, it?s great to follow up with a podium, says Sten Pentus, author of a very good start to the season. The race was hectic at the start, then it was calmer for me. But here, it?s never easy. »

« The start of the season is perfect for us! », Comments Mikhail Aleshin, winner of his second race in two meetings. “ The level is very high, you have to fight a lot, but it's an ideal day for Carlin and for me. I have been ill for a few days, this morning my temperature was 38°5, so I was not in great shape. But to win a race, you forget everything! »