F1Weekly podcast # 566

Photo: Renaultsport

F1weekly podcast number 566 special weekend interview

A conversation with Robin Frijns

Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup Champion Robin Frijns will join Fortec for the 2012 Formula Renault 3.5 campaign.

The Dutchman will be paired alongside Carlos Huertas to complete Fortec’s driver line up.

The 20-year-old tested with the team, who were second in the Team’s Championship in 2011, at Motorland in November.

Frijns enjoyed a fantastic 2011 with Josef Kaufmann Racing, taking five wins en route to the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup title and demonstrated excellent consistency by finishing inside the top five at every race.

He comfortably secured the title with a round to spare, winning the championship ahead of highly rated Carlos Sainz Jr. by 45 points.

That title came a year after he victorious in Formula BMW Europe, which also came with Josef Kaufmann Racing.

Fortec’s Formula Renault 3.5 Team Manager Jamie Dye said: “Robin has always been one to watch – his consistency throughout the 2011 season was phenomenal and he’s proven himself to be the complete package.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have him with us for 2012 and he has shown that he thoroughly deserves a place in the Formula Renault 3.5 series.

“We’re very much looking forward to working with Robin this year and we’re confident that both he and Carlos will be strong contenders next season.”

Renault Sport Sporting Manager Emmanuel Esnault also expressed his pleasure that Robin is moving up to Formula Renault 3.5 with Fortec.

He said: “We are all happy to see Robin joining Fortec Motorsport for his maiden season in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series and are proud to observe that the prize money of €500.000 offered to the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 Winner is allowing him to make concrete the step forward in our unique stairway to F1. “We wish him all the best.”

[audio:http://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/mp3.f1weekly.com/podcasts/03-31-12f1weekly566.mp3]