The Renault Driver Development class of 2006
For 2006, the RDD programme will include four young talents
undergoing rigorous training in top level motorsport.
For the past four years, the Renault Driver Development programme
has successfully discovered talented young drivers and helped
propel them to the upper echelons of motorsport. Spotted by
Renault in 2002, Finn Heikki Kovalainen spent four years in
the programme before becoming the world champion Renault F1
Team's Test Driver in 2006.
This year, four young hopes will represent Renault in the
GP2 series, World Series by Renault and F3 Euroseries championships.
Jose Maria Lopez – Argentine – 22 years
old
Now the programme's oldest member, Jose Maria begins his fourth
year in the RDD. After a testing first season in the GP2 series
– a feeder for Formula 1 – in 2005, when he finished
ninth in the championship with a victory and two second places,
he will once again be racing for the SuperNova team.
"The RDD programme has given me another chance to show
my worth," explained Jose. "I know it is a big opportunity,
and proof that they have confidence In me. I learned a lot
last year in GP2, and I want to be fighting for the title
this year."
Lucas DiGrassi – Brazilian – 21 years
old
In 2005, Luca finished the season third in the F3 Euroseries
championship, and also won the prestigious Macao Grand Prix
in November. Named best under-21 South American driver by
a panel of expert journalists, he will be competing in the
GP2 series for Durango.
"Renault has given me the opportunity to race in highly
competitive championships for the past two years, as well
as working hard on my training," revealed Lucas. "Thanks
to the RDD programme, I have learned what being a top-line
racing driver is all about. For my first season in GP2, my
aim is to demonstrate I am one of the best drivers in the
field."
Romain Grosjean – French – 19 years old
A new arrival for 2006, the young Frenchman dominated the
Formula Renault 2.0 championship in 2005 with ten pole positions,
and the same number of wins, in 16 races. Starting the Macao
Grand Prix – his first F3 race – Romain finished
9th after gaining 11 positions. This year, he will compete
in the F3 Euroseries championship for Signature.
"I am very pleased to join the RDD programme, which
will teach me about being a racing driver. It is a huge privilege
to develop as a Renault driver, and something I am very proud
of. I know I am very lucky to be in this programme,"
commented Romain. "At Macao, I got my first taste of
F3 and it went well. I want to be fighting at the front quickly
this season."
Ben Hanley – British – 21 years old
Ben finished second in the Italian Formula Renault 2.0 championship
in 2005, with nine podiums and six wins after dominating the
second half of the season. It was the young Briton's first
season racing cars. He will compete for CRAM in the World
Series by Renault championship.
"This is a good opportunity for me, to join the RDD
programme. I know it will be a valuable help in achieving
my goal of becoming a professional driver," said Ben.
"I will give 100% to show I have what it takes to be
a Renault driver. My first tests in the World Series car this
winter, convinced me that I can adapt to the championship
very quickly."
About the Renault Driver Development programme
Created in 2002 by the Renault F1 Team, the RDD programme
aims to sport the most promising young drivers of tomorrow.
A rigorous, demanding programme, the RDD allows the drivers
to develop for a year within the Renault F1 Team environment,
and in the most appropriate championship, while completing
rigorous sporting and physical training. The drivers are ambassadors
for Renault, and evaluated both on their on-track performances,
but also away from the circuit. The RDD programme is recognised
as a selective, prestigious and effective programme.
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