World Series Formula Renault 3.5 – Estoril, Portugal

Race 1: Qualified 23rd, Finished 14th, Rookie 2nd
Race 2: Qualified 17th, Finished 11th, Rookie 2nd

Duncan stepped into the Formula Renault 3.5-litre car hot on the heels of his weekend at Nurburgring for Tottenham Hotspur in Superleague Formula. With only two 45-minute practice sessions before qualifying on Saturday, and on a new track, he was in a battle against time to learn the track and find the right set-up. He struggled in qualifying but by the race on Saturday he was much happier and it showed in his drive and his progress up the timesheets.

The first race saw a good start and one of his favourite moves round the outside of the first corner to gain four places. Once settled he drove consistently and twice saw accidents happening ahead of him on the track. He waited and gained places as others made mistakes. By the closing stages of the 27 lap race he was third in a pack of four led by fellow rookie Sanchez in 12th and was the second rookie to cross the line.

Race two was held today in warm, dry and very windy conditions. Duncan was on the outside of the track again and repeated his move on the first corner to gain four positions to lie in 13th. He was one of the first to make the mandatory pit stop and came out 19th but making his way back to 13th as others pitted.

With Salvador Duran emerging ahead from his stop Duncan focussed and upped his pace closing the gap but with just three laps to go Duran collided with Fauzy resulting in another two position advantage. Duncan had Robert Wickens chasing but managed take the flag with over a second to spare. In terms of his rookie position he equalled his second of race one with Charles Pic ahead in second overall.

•   Filed under: Formula Renault 3.5
•   Tagged as: Autódromo do Estoril, RC Motorsport