Max Defourny (R-ace GP) set the pace on day two of collective testing for the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 at the Motorland Aragón circuit. The Belgian set best time of the day in 1:55.126 to lead the way from rookie Lando Norris (Josef Kaufmann Racing) and Bruno Baptista (Fortec Motorsports). Dorian Boccolacci (Tech 1 Racing) went quickest on a drying track surface in the morning. The Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 will next be in action for two days of testing at Circuit Paul Ricard on March 4 and 5.

The list of drivers remained the same from the day before. Following overnight showers, it wasn’t until the final hour of the morning session before the competitors switched to slick tyres. Dorian Boccolacci finished on top of the time sheet with a best lap of 1:56.114, ahead of rookie Lando Norris and Bruno Baptista.

The pace picked up in the afternoon. Max Defourny clocked the best lap of the day in 1:55.126 ahead of Lando Norris and Bruno Baptista. The Josef Kaufmann Racing entries of SMP protégé, Robert Shwartzman and Sahara Force India Academy driver Jehan Daruvala completed the top five.

Boccolacci stands out in the morning

“After a difficult 2015 season, it is motivating to return to the top of the order and it adds even more motivation. We are able to draw some positive conclusions from these tests. Yesterday, I had to learn the Motorland Aragón circuit, before going on to set the best time in the afternoon. This morning, I did it again despite the mixed conditions and just one run in the dry. Adaptation has gone quickly even though we had a few problems late in the day, while our rivals ran on two sets of fresh rubber. I could’ve done better, but we came here to learn and get ready for the first qualifying session that will take place on this track in April.”

Baptista consistently in the top three

“It was a very good day at the wheel of a very good car, and we don’t expect to slow down our effort during the next tests to make up ground to the leaders. The level of competitiveness is very high and it is going to take a lot of hard work to be in the hunt. After a difficult first year with my former team, everything now seems to be in place. My preparation in New Zealand is also paying off. With more experience, it should be a good season !”

Shwartzman right behind Norris among les rookies

“The tests went really well. Today was just my fourth day in Formula Renault 2.0. The car has more aerodynamics than an F4 and I had to get used to it to get the most out of it in the corners. There is a big difference, but the team explained to me where I needed to improve my driving style to move forward. I made a lot of progress with the new tyres, which is an excellent thing because it is extremely difficult to reach the peak performance of the Michelins. This year, I will race in NEC and we’re working on a deal to do a full season in the Eurocup as well.”

Entry list - pdf

Day 2 - Session 1 - pdf

Day 2 - Session 2 - pdf

Day 2 - Combined - pdf