Fastest during Friday practice, Robert Shwartzman (R-ace GP) kept the momentum going in taking the pole, then the win in race one at Pau. The SMP Racing protégé was followed to the flag by his team mate Max Defourny (R-ace GP) and Gabriel Aubry (Tech 1 Racing). Renault Sport Academy driver Max Fewtrell (Tech 1 Racing) won in the rookie class and was seventh overall. With the win Robert Shwartzman is now just two points behind leader Will Palmer (R-ace GP), who finished fourth today.
THIRD POLE FOR SHWARTZMAN
Despite a light sprinkling just minutes prior to qualifying, the competitors opted for slick tyres. In Group A, Max Defourny set a benchmark time of 1:13.654, but Robert Shwartzman was quicker with a lap of 1:13.654 in Group B.
Robert Shwartzman lined-up on the grid ahead of Max Defourny, Gabriel Aubry, Will Palmer, Alex Peroni (Fortec Motorsports) and Sacha Fenestraz (Josef Kaufmann Racing). Rookies Max Fewtrell and Yifei Ye (Josef Kaufmann Racing) slotted in on row four.
FIFTH TRIUMPH ON THE BOUNCE FOR R-ACE GP
Another formation lap was needed due to the problems at the start for Red Bull Junior Team protégé, Neil Verhagen (MP Motorsport). When the lights went out, Robert Shwartzman maintained the lead while Max Defourny battled with Gabriel Aubry. The French driver was then surprised by Will Palmer at Foch before the Brit gave the position back.
The front-runners managed to avoid the tricky spots of the Pau circuit, but on lap three Jean-Baptiste Simmenauer (JD Motorsport) was not as fortunate. Ghislain Cordeel (Arden Motorsport), Henrique Chaves (AVF by Adrián Vallés) and Sun Yue Yang (JD Motorsport) also got caught out in the following laps.
Robert Shwartzman was in a league of his, taking his third success of the season in front of Max Defourny. Gabriel Aubry held off Will Palmer and Alex Peroni to take third place. Sacha Fenestraz was sixth, ahead of rookies Max Fewtrell, Yifei Ye, Raúl Guzmán (R-ace GP) and Red Bull Junior Team driver, Daniel Ticktum (Arden Motorsport).
Renault Sport Press Release
