OSCAR PIASTRI SIGNS WITH FORMULA RENAULT CHAMPIONS

Young Australian, Oscar Piastri will return to the Formula Renault Eurocup Championship in 2019 with this time with reigning champions R-ace GP.

The 17-year-old from Melbourne has his eyes set on winning races and consistent podium finishes next year after a successful rookie year.

“I’ve had a great rookie year, learning the circuits and understanding the very high level of competition both on and off the track.” said Piastri.

“I’ve learned so much this year, got some decent results and I really want to take it to the next level. I think R-ace GP is a great team and I am looking forward to joining them for 2019.”

Piastri finished eighth in the 2018 season, the highest ranked Australian, including three podium finishes and two rookie wins.

R-ace GP Team Principal, Thibaut de Merindol is looking forward to adding the Australian to his squad.

“I’ve been following Oscar since mid-2017 as he was then P2 in British Formula 4 and leading the rookie standing with class.” said de Merindol.

“His 2018 Formula Renault campaign confirming his potential with some great performances at Spa, Hungaroring and Hockenheim. I had the opportunity to test Oscar with the team after the final round in Barcelona and I have to say this test was more than a confirmation, it was a revelation!”

“Oscar demonstrated very good pace but even more important he impressed all of the team with his accuracy, his control and calm demeanour in and out of the car.”

“From that point, I was convinced that he will be a top 2019 Formula Renault title contender and therefore I am extremely excited to have him signed to help us defend our team and driver titles.”

Piastri had also completed a few GP3 tests during 2018 with a view to possibly competing in Formula 3, but the decision to return to Formula Renault Eurocup for a second year won out in the end.

“We had always planned to do a second year in Formula Renault Eurocup.” said Piastri.

“There was a little bit of uncertainty with recent changes to junior categories but in the end, we took a lot of advice from trusted advisors in the paddock, my sponsors and family and decided that a second year in Formula Renault Eurocup was the right decision.”

“Renault run a fantastic championship, it’s very well organized, the circuits are amazing and the driving standards and technical aspects are very well controlled which are things I really value. I’m looking forward to driving the new car, it looks really good.”

The 2019 Formula Renault Championship begins in April at Monza, Italy.

For more of the latest motorsport news, pick up the current issue of Auto Action, both in stores and online now. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.