"Everyone at Renault is very optimistic as far as our driver line-up for 2007 and the coming seasons are concerned," says Flavio Briatore. "It is a decision we took to prepare for the future without compromizing the team's short-term stability. Giancarlo is a solid Formula 1 driver and Heikki is already a fully-fledged member of the squad. In the light of what he has done in testing this year, we have high hopes in his ability. It is also a pleasure to welcome onboard Ricardo and Nelsinho who bring their own special qualities to the table: Ricardo will play a key role in our preparations for 2007, while Nelsinho has shown this year in GP2 that he merits a place in F1. 2007 will be the start of a new era for Renault and we believe it will be a very interesting season."

With its future sorted, Renault can now focus its attention on its bid to secure the 2006 titles. Verdict on October 22 in Brazil!



World Series by Renault
100 per cent sport and passion, Renault-fashion

Launched in 2005, the inaugural World Series by Renault proved tremendously successful, attracting a total of more than 650,000 spectators. An unprecedented concept in Europe, this new approach to the organization of motor racing meetings combines top-flight competition and entertainment aimed at a broad public with the promotion of quality race championships while at the same time appealing to non-enthusiasts. In keeping with the Renault tradition of single-make formulae, the action revolves around three international championships - the World Series Formula Renault 3.5, the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup and the Megane Trophy Eurocup - which oppose some of motor racing's most gifted, up-and-coming youngsters. These meetings owe their success to their programme which is tailored to appeal to the entire family and which includes demonstration runs by the Renault F1 Team.

The World Series Formula Renault 3.5 is the weekend's bill-topping race. This championship opposes 425hp single-seater cars driven by talented youngsters all of whom are knocking at the door of Formula 1. The thirty-strong grid and a field representing 18 nationalities and four continents makes this high level series a not-to-miss stepping stone to F1. Three former competitors have gone on from the World Series to make a name for themselves in F1, including the 2005 champion Robert Kubica.

The Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 continues to stand out as the benchmark initiation race series. More than 700 Formula Renault 2.0 single-seater cars have been sold to date across the world and the championship has lost no time in establishing itself as a mandatory step for young drivers looking to take their career to F1 level. Many current household names cut their teeth in the series, including Felipe Massa, Kimi Raikkonen, Christian Klien, Scott Speed and Sebastien Bourdais. This season has seen more than 35 young drivers - half of whom are aged less than 18 - compete at World Series by Renault meetings.

Finally, the Eurocup Megane Trophy is an emblematic Renault single-make series. Launched in 2005, it opposes some thirty drivers who have come up through the ranks of single-seater or saloon car driver grooming schemes. Megane Trophy's specific tubular chassis is based on the regulations that govern prototypes and the car is powered by a 330hp evolution of the same V6 engine that equips Renault Vel Satis and Renault Espace. Its power to weight ratio of 2.9kg/hp and ground effect aerodynamics give it a level of performance comparable with that of GT cars.

Between races, the show never stops, be it on the track or in the paddock. Attractions include demonstration runs by the World Championship-winning Renault F1 Team, parades and static exhibitions of historic cars, air displays, pit-stop contests, driving simulators, road safety workshops, an exhibition of models from the Renault range, concerts, a funfair, etc. Access is free upon presentation of an invitation available in Renault's own network as well as in those of its partners.

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