André Negrao will race with International Draco as a pilot in his third season in Formula Renault 3.5, the main category of the World Series by Renault and one of the most important divisions of access of Formula 1. After considering the possibility of moving to GP2, where even tested successfully in late October, Negrão decided to remain in the series for the third straight year. “Both the technical side as the financial, thought it would be appropriate to continue where I am,” explained him, whose career is managed by Novac Sports, parent company commanded by Guto Negrão.
At 20 years old, Negrão recognizes that his career is coming to a point that does not allow setbacks. “I have to do a much better season than 2012. Had another electrical problems with my car and the end result ended up not reflecting the potential both mine and the teams,” he said. “In the later part of the calendar, we identified and solved the defects. A tendency therefore is marked evolution. I think that staying in the top five is an achievable goal,” he added. With the 3rd place at the Nurburgring as prominent Negrao ended the tournament in 15th place with 36 points and was the best of three Brazilians – Lucas Foresti and Yann Cunha debuted in 2012.
Negrão adapted quickly to GP2. He drew attention in the post-season testing in Barcelona right around the exact same time as Felipe Nasr, who had just completed the first year in the sport included in the schedule of Formula 1. The comparison between the two alternatives, however, proved favorable to Formula Renault 3.5. “Our car is so fast, maybe a little more, as the GP2. Moreover, the GP2 tires are complicated, because the loss of performance is huge. And you can not leave out the other, no less important: Formula Renault 3.5 costing one million euros (£ 2.7 million) less, “he recalled.
Controlled by Guto Negrão since the end of 2011, Draco – based in Italy – will soon announce the name of the mate of Negrao. More likely, however, is that the Swiss Nico Muller is maintained next to the Brazilian. Without facing the same setbacksas his partner, Muller showed speed from the first stage and finished in 9th place with 78 points overall. “He is a very good driver and our relationship is great. Seen that I brought him to Brazil to spend the holidays at the beach with us,” said Negrão.
The schedule of Formula Renault 3.5 will again consist of nine rounds and double open 6th and 7th of April in Monza (Italy). Before, teams and drivers will go through three batteries of tests at Motorland Aragón collectives (22 and 23 February), Paul Ricard (8 and 9 March) and Barcelona (19 and 20 March). Draco, however, is one of the teams already confirmed in free trials scheduled for February 14 in Monza.