FR 3.5 – Frijns wins the title, Da Costa promises

Robin Frijns (Fortec Motorsport) wins the Formula title Renault 3.5 Series in Barcelona at the end of an intense fight with Jules Bianchi (Tech 1 Racing) whose outcome will be subject to criticism. The Fortec Motorsports driver did the hard part yesterday by regaining the lead in the Championship following a poor performance from his opponent, who was then four points behind. The qualifications for Race 2 also favored the Dutchman, who qualified on the second row, while the resident of the Ferrari Diver Academy had to settle for seventh place.

Mikhail Aleshin (Team RFR) started from pole ahead of Arthur Pic (Dams) and Antonio Felix da Costa (Arden Caterham), winner the day before. The Reb Bull Junior Team driver quickly took the lead in the race, taking the lead at the end of the first corner. Robin Frijns also passed the Frenchman to find himself on the provisional podium, the French driver now ahead of his compatriot in the running for the title. The pit stops complicated the task of the Dams driver and the Fortec driver who found themselves behind Aaro Vainio (Team RFR). Jules Bianchi then came back into the tailpipes of his rival and managed to take the advantage. The Dutchman then found himself directly threatened by Kevin Magnussen (Carlin) who was able to make him lose the coronation. Robin Frijns then attempted a desperate maneuver on Jules Bianchi. The two adversaries come into contact: the Frenchman finishes his race in the gravel while the Dutchman continues.

Antonio Félix da Costa won his second consecutive victory in Barcelona, ​​his fourth success of the season, by winning with no less than 27 seconds ahead of Mikhail Aleshin, while Aaro Vainio also got on the podium. Kevin Magnussen and Alexander Red (Arden Caterham) complete the top five ahead of Arthur Pic (Dams). Robin Frijns finished seventh but won the title but received a 25-second penalty dropping him to 14th place.

Discover the analysis of the World Series by Renault final in Barcelona carried out by our special correspondent in the next issue of AUTOhebdo, available from Tuesday in digital version for iPad, PC and Mac, and from Wednesday on newsstands.