After eight days of testing during the off-season, the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 is back in action at the Motorland Aragón circuit. Dennis Olsen (Prema Powerteam) dominated the two group practice sessions on Friday, setting best time of the day in 1:55.985. The Norwegian led from team-mate Bruno Bonifacio (Prema Powerteam) and Aurélien Panis (ART Junior Team).
The Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 field enjoyed sunny skies on the Spanish circuit for this first day of season 10 of the World Series by Renault. In the early minutes of the morning session it was Egor Orudzhev (Tech 1 Racing) atop the time sheets before Aurélien Panis lowered the best time. Strong winds caused a stoppage in the session in order for the drivers to head back out in optimal safety conditions.
When the lights went green there were a number of leader changes worth noting. Nyck de Vries (Koiranen GP) and Andrea Pizzitola (Manor MP Motorsport) stood out, but in the end Dennis Olsen led the way with a time of 1:57.766. Alexander Albon (KTR) and Bruno Bonifacio completed the top five.
In the afternoon, Andrea Pizzitola and Dennis Olsen quickly swapped the top spot before Matevos Isaakyan (JD Motorsport) and Bruno Bonifacio entered the mix for best time. After the half-way point in the session, Aurélien Panis set best time, but Bruno Bonifacio and Andrea Pizzitola answered back.
Nyck de Vries retook command in the final minutes. Yet, once again, the Prema Powerteam drivers; Bruno Bonifacio Dennis Olsen retaliated. The Norwegian improved his time six minutes from the end of the session to set the fastest lap of the day in 1:55.985, dominating Bruno Bonifacio, Aurélien Panis, Gustav Malja (Josef Kaufmann Racing) and Nyck de Vries.
Dennis Olsen: “Everything worked well today. The key was being able to put in an error-free lap and I have to thank the team for having done such a good job. The wind shouldn’t change very much. My car is strong no matter the conditions on this track and except for having to change my braking point, everything should go just fine.”
Bruno Bonifacio: “It has been a very good day for the entire team because the three cars were in the top ten this afternoon. The conditions were somewhat tricky, because the wind was blowing hard. The key was to string the sectors together, which was not easy. Overall it was a good day and now it is up to us to confirm our form tomorrow!”
Nyck de Vries: “Although it was rather inconsistent, the wind was the same for everyone. Its influence was relative. After second best time this morning, then fifth in the afternoon, I had a positive day. I have confidence in our package and we will see what we can do tomorrow!”
Renault Sport Press Release