Alexander Albon (KTR) set the best time in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 collective tests. The Thai dominated the morning session at the Motorland Aragón circuit with a best time 1’55’’617, ahead of Nyck de Vries (Koiranen GP) and Matevos Isaakyan (AVF). In the afternoon, Andrea Pizzitola (Manor MP Motorsport) was quickest but could not beat the time of the KTR Driver.

The only change on day two of Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 collective testing was the absence of Iñigo Bikuña (AVF) who had exams to take. 32 drivers from 11 teams were present at the Spanish circuit.

In the morning run, after a short pause provoked by Roy Geerts (AVF), Levin Amweg (ART Junior Team) was the first driver to lap under the 1’56’ barrier. Then it was Alexander Albon setting best time at 1’55’’952, before improving to 1’55’’617, ahead of Nyck de Vries, Matevos Isaakyan, Andrea Pizzitola and Kevin Jörg (Josef Kaufmann Racing).

After the lunch break, Nyck de Vries dominated the first hour before Kevin Jörg went quicker. Then it was Andrea Pizzitola moving to the top of the time sheet. HIs three consecutive lap time improvements put him out of reach of his closest rivals, including Kevin Jörg and Dennis Olsen (Prema Powerteam). Alexander Albon and Matevos Isaakyan completed the Top 5 in a session where one second covered the top 22 drivers.

The Paul Ricard Circuit will host the next collective test for the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 on 6 and 7 March.

What they said:

Alexander Albon: ”I am very happy with how these tests went. We were very fast this morning. There was even more potential, but the traffic and low temperatures played their part. We have made a lot of progress, it is a big step forward compared to where we’ve been last year. We are in good shape heading to Paul Ricard.”

Andrea Pizzitola: ”Right from the first day we have been on pace. Today, I set the best time early in the session with new tyres. This season, I know the car and the championship. For me it is now a mental issue to compete for the win. I worked flat-out in this area over the winter in order to gain these important tenths of a second.”

Matt Parry: “I am still getting to grips with the team. Today, we were successful in finding a good set-up for the first meeting of the season. We were fast on used tyres. It is promising, but the gaps are very small and the traffic was a factor in where we finished in the afternoon. I am not looking for excuses, the times are not that important and it is more a matter of feeling comfortable.”

Levin Amweg: “We have made a lot of progress over the two days. We are still missing a little bit of speed, two-tenths. There is still some improvements to do, but we are in heading in the right direction. Changing teams is my main challenge this year, but I am confident. I like working with them, especially because they are very professional.”

Renault Sport