The season promises to be open

The first tests of the season took place in Jerez. Formula competitors Renault 3.5 Series thus evolved for the first time with the 2009 aerodynamic configuration. Less downforce and therefore necessarily less efficiency in curves, the speed in fast sections is however higher. Result, according to the first tests, the FR 3.5 2009 configuration appears more efficient.

The first day of testing takes place in the last hour of the morning. Wearing new tires, Charles Pic took the lead ahead of Miguel Molina and James Walker. The hosts from last season are here! Vice-champion in 2005, Adrian Valles, called by the Epsilon Euskadi team to develop their single-seaters, is also in the mix with the 4th fastest time. In 5th position, Jaime Alguersuari, champion of F3 British in 2008, is the best beginner.

The next day, the tone goes up a notch. The morning takes place at a qualifying pace and the drivers shatter the FR 3.5 Series track record, previously held by Alvaro Parente. Miguel Molina won the best time ahead of Charles Pic and Marco Barba.

Two days later, preparation for the season continued on the Valencia circuit, a much more winding track. James Walker, who inherits the seat of 1 champion Giedo Van der Garde at P2008 Motorsport, dominates the morning. However, the afternoon proved decisive. Marco Barba launched the hostilities and achieved exactly the same time as that established by James Walker at the end of the morning, 1:22:862. As they approach the checkered flag, Oliver Turvey and Charles Pic improve. Pic set the best time in 1:22:712, ahead of Oliver Turvey in the standings for the day. The 2008 British F3 Vice-Champion is gaining momentum.

James Walker stands out on the second day, but at home, Marco Barba has the last word. He precedes, in total these two days of collective testing, his compatriot Marcos Martinez. James Walker is in third position ahead of Adrian Valles, Miguel Molina, Bertrand Baguette and Charles Pic. Eighth, Oliver Turvey is the best Rookie.

Charles Pic, Marco Barba, James Walker, Miguel Molina, Marcos Martinez or Bertrand Baguette? Everyone can claim the title. However, rookies Oliver Turvey, Jaime Alguersuari and Greg Mansell seem to have long teeth and we will have to count on them. The 2009 season promises to be open. Kick-off in Barcelona on April 18.