What is World Series by Renault?

Introduced in 2008, this new version of the Formula Renault 3.5, powered by a 480 bhp, 3,5-litre V6 engine, replaced the model used between 2005 and 2007. Since it was first created, the car's aerodynamics have undergone sone significiant changes. They now provide both less drag and more downforce, resulting in a net increase in performance, whilst keeping running costs under control.

In the long ladder that spans the world of motorsport, Formula Renault 3.5 is near to the top rung. A logical progression for talented young drivers looking to move on from Formula Renault 2.0 or F3, this race car offers drivers an ideal preparation for life in the upper echelons of motorsport: GP2, Indycar, F1 and so on.

As with all of the cars used in Renault Sport single-seater championships, Formula Renault 3.5 complies with a set of specifications designed to meet performance, reliability, sporting fairness and controlled cost criteria.

The car enables drivers to become familiar with technologies that until recently were not seen outside of F1: semi-automatic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted gearshift, left-foot braking and carbon brakes to name but a few. Fairness and cost control are ensured by regulations which restrict private testing, impose a tyre quota for each driver and detail the rigorous scrutineering procedure used.

Last season, nineteen different drivers featured in the top three on at least one occasion, and nine different drivers won at least one race, a telling statistic that demonstrates the highly competitive nature of the Formula Renault 3.5 Series. With the successes of Robert Kubica and Sebastian Vettel in F1, as well as the recent arrival Jaime Alguersuari, there to inspire them, the twenty-six drivers taking part this year are ready for another season of exciting racing!

Points

1st - 25 pts
2nd - 18 pts
3rd - 15 pts
4th - 12 pts
5th - 10 pts
6th - 8 pts
7th - 6 pts
8th - 4 pts
9th - 2 pts
10th - 1 pt