The Grid

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Costa champion!

By finishing third in the last Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 race of the season, Epsilon Euskadi's Albert Costa di what he had to claim the 2009 Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 championship. Motopark Academy's Antonio Felix da Costa won the race ahead of BVM Minardi Team's Dean Smith. SG Formula's Jean-Eric Vergne, who finished in just sixth place, nevertheless finishes second in the championship, equal on points with Antonio Felix da Costa, but the total number of wins, four against three, plays in the Frenchman's favour.

The final meeting of the season was crucial for the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 title and for the last race for this single-seater before it is replaced by New Formula Renault 2.0 in 2010. On the starting grid, Albert Costa had a four point lead over Jean-Eric Vergne and thirteen over Antonio Felix da Costa. It was da Costa who held pole, followed by Costa and Vergne.

Da Costa kept the leadership, while Costa was overtaken by Vergne. However, before the end of the first lap, Costa had clawed back the place he lost. Kevin Magnussen also profited and at the end of the first lap, the race order was da Costa the lead, followed Costa, Magnussen and Vergne.

Albert Costa and Kevin Magnussen swapped second place, but Costa had the last word. Vergne allowed himself to be passed by Motopark Academy's Adrian Quaife-Hobbs, falling to fifth. Meanwhile Dean Smith, Formula Renault 2.0 UK champion, who started from eleventh place, was getting stuck in. Gradually catching up Vergne, Quaife-Hobbs and Magnussen, Smith was able to sneak into third. Da Costa was still leading, ahead of Costa, Smith, Magnussen Quaife-Hobbs and Vergne.

On fine form, Dean Smith overtook Albert Costa to snatch second place. Sixth, Vergne was looking for an opening behind Kevin Magnussen and Adrian Quaife-Hobbs. But the Motopark Academy drivers had resolved not to make life easy for him. At that point in the race, Albert Costa was set to be crowned champion.

Da Costa was well on his way to a third win of the season, and a clean sweep at Motorland Aragon, with two pole positions and as many wins. But at the end of the race, his rivals got the better of him. Costa tried to overtake Smith, but the maneuver was not successful. Da Costa was leading, ahead of Smith,Costa, Magnussen, Quaife-Hobbs and Vergne, the six drivers finish the race bumper to bumper. Magnussen was able to change things by overtaking Costa, but the positions changed again, just a few corners later, when it was the turn of Costa and Quaife-Hobbs to get past Magnussen.

Victory was da Costa's, followed by Smith, Costa, Quaife-Hobbs, Magnussen and Vergne. In third, Albert Costa had done everything he needed to. He claims the 2009 Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and prize money of 500,000^a towards participating in the 2010 FR 3.5 Series, while in the Teams Championship, Epsilon Euskadi were the victors ahead of SG Formula.

Albert Costa: "I've got a lot of things to think about right now! First of all I'd like to thank my family, my team Epsilon Euskadi, and everybody who's helped me out. This race was crazy. There was so much overtaking going on. And finishing with Antonio and Jean-Eric sixth, I just let it happen, I knew it was going to be my day. I made a few mistakes this season, each time I came back stronger. Next year, I'm going to continue the adventure with Epsilon Euskadi in Formula Renault 3.5 Series. To go out there and win again!"

Antonio Felix da Costa: "I did everything I had to this weekend. Thanks to my team, my family and all my supporters. Unfortunately we didn't win the title today."

Da Costa builds the suspense

The Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 season is almost reached its conclusion. By winning his second race of the season, Motopark Academy's Antonio Felix da Costa has held onto his chances for the championship title. Second, Epsilon Euskadi's Albert Costa has increased his lead over third-place driver, SG Formula's Jean-Eric Vergne. As we go into the final race of the season, the two drivers are separated by just four points.

It was a fine day at Motorland Aragon for the penultimate race of the year and the crowds had come en masse to watch the final showdown between Albert Costa, Jean-Eric Vergne and Antonio Felix da Costa. In pole position, it was da Costa who made the best start. Costa and Vergne were neck and neck into the first turn, but under hard braking, it was Costa who came out on top.

Motopark Academy's Kevin Magnussen held fourth place, while behind him the fight for fifth place was tight. With Epsilon Sport's Luciano Bacheta held off Motopark Academy's Adrien Quaife-hobbs, Epsilon Euskadi's Federico Scionti and SG Formula's Miki Monras to the best of his abilities, the braking at the end of the start-finish straight was frighteningly close!

As da Costa, Costa and Vergne broke away from the rest of the pack, Kevin Magnussen and Luciano Bacheta were hot on their heels. Between Quaife-Hobbs, Scionti, BVM Minardi Team's Dean Smith, Epsilon Euskadi's Nathanael Berthon and Motopark Academy's Kuba Giermaziak, the positions changed with every passing lap. In tight formation, no driver was giving away the slightest advantage.

The three lead drivers were still neck and neck without being able to get the better of one another. Behind them, Bacheta was taken by surprise, dropping from 5th to 8th, as he was passed by Adrian Quaife-Hobbs, Federico Scionti and Dean Smith in quick succession. Bacheta then had to fend off the advances of Nathanael Berthon, Kuba Germaziak and Carlos Munoz. The chasing pack was full of action. On the next lap, it was the turn of Adrien Quaife-Hobbs to lose a place to Federico Scionti under braking. Scionti was now fifth, with Quaife-Hobbs sixth. Next, Kuba Giarmaziak stole a place from Luciano Bacheta in eighth.

Up in front, the positions would remain the same. Da costa took his second win of the season and snatched a few more points from the duo of Costa and Vergne. Finishing second, Costa brought his lead to within four points at the entry of the last race. Mathematically, any one of these drivers could wrest the title.

Antonio Felix da Costa: "After qualifying, we were very happy with our performance. Winning was the only way to go! I'm not racing one driver but two. My only chance for the title is to win tomorrow, that's if Albert and Jean-Eric score no points. It was very difficult. I'm just going to concentrate on my race, to win one more."

Albert Costa: "For the moment, we we've done what we had to, that is, finish in front of Jean-Eric. I need to stay calm and continue on this course. I have a four point lead; it's both a lot and not very much. I can't wait for tomorrow. We'll see what happens..."

Jean-Eric Vergne: "First of I'd like to congratulate Antonio Felix da Costa, he was very quick today. The start was very close between Albert and me. I came very close to getting past him, but I found myself on the wrong side of the track, so he stayed ahead of me. We need to find a way to be faster tomorrow. I need to make up four points. It's not over yet, we can still do it. I need to go out there and fight tomorrow."

Albert Costa back in the running

Epsilon Euskadi's Albert Costa hadn't tasted victory since the second meeting of the season at Spa-Francorchamps. Having won both races in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, the Catalan driver has put an end to his dry spell and finds himself back at the top of the championship table. He will arrive for the final showdown at Motorland Aragon with a two-point lead over SG Formula's Jean-Eric Vergne, currently second. These results are nevertheless provisional.

According to article 152 of the International Sporting Code, Motopark Academy's Antonio Felix da Costa and Kevin Magnussen are authorized to start the race, but will not feature in the final results, following an appeal entered by their team against their disqualification for technical irregularities after the SuperPole session. The results of this race, as with that of the previous day are on-hold pending a judgment.

Having qualified in pole position, Kevin Magnussen was relegated four positions on the start grid as a penalty for dangerous driving in the first race. He therefore started fifth on the grid behind Jean-Eric Vergne, while Albert Costa was handed pole position, in front of Antonio Felix da Costa.

Albert Costa entered the first corner in the lead successfully holding off da Costa and Vergne. Meanwhile in the pack, SG Formula's Hugo Valente and Motopark Academy's Luis Derani were forced to retire. From the first few laps onwards, Costa began to build his lead, with da Costa not far behind. Jean-Eric Vergne was kept busy trying to fend off Epsilon Euskadi's Carlos Munoz. The fight for fifth between Kevin Magnussen, Epsilon Euskadi's Natanael Berthon, SG Formula's Miki Monras, Epsilon Euskadi's Miguel Otegui, and Motopark Academy's Kuba Giermaziak and Marco Sorenson was no less spectacular.

With amazing consistency, Albert Costa set one fastest time after another, continuing to build his lead with lap. Jean-Eric Vergne was busy holding Carlos Munoz at bay, but the Frenchman also decided to raise his game. In fifth, Magnussen led the chasing pack, which was still a close as could be. Miguel Otegui was the catalyst within the group, dislodging Natanael Berthon from 7th place. Berthon soon gave way to an attempt by Giermaziak. Just four seconds separated Otegui in 7th from Jenzer Motorsport's Nico Muller in 14th.

Cool, calm and collected, Costa claims his fifth win of the season, and leaves Nurburgring as the leader of the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 championship. As stipulated by Article 152 of the International Sporting Code, neither Antonio Felix da Costa nor Kevin Magnussen will feature in the results for this race. Accordingly, Jean-Eric Vergne claims 2nd place and Carlos Munoz 3rd, with Miki Monras is 4th and Miguel Otegui 5th. Jean-Eric Vergne is now just two points adrift from Albert Costa. All these results are subject to the appeal submitted by Motopark Academy.

Albert Costa: "Today was a real victory! We need to do just as well at Motorland Aragon for the final. We've got one month to get ready for the meeting. But for now, I'm just going to enjoy the weekend a little before I get down to work and concentrate on the final. I want to win the championship, but it's going to be tight!

Jean-Eric Vergne: "I had a brush with Kevin Magnussen at the start right at mid-corner. There was no damage to the car, but I jarred my neck so I wasn't on top form during the race. We're second, that's maybe a good thing as it will force us to work even harder to prepare for Motorland Aragon!"

Carlos Munoz: "It's my first podium, I'm really very happy. It's our reward for all our hard work. I'd like to thank my team. I'm really pleased and now I want to do even better at the final meeting."

Antonio Felix da Costa yes, and no--

Motopark Academy's Anotnio Felix da Costa finished the first race ahead of Epsilon Euskadi's Albert Costa, teammate Kuba Giermazik and SG Formula's Jean-Eric Vergne. However, the results of this race were suspended following an appeal by the Motopark Academy team against the disqualification of da Costa and Magnussen's cars following qualification.

After qualifying, the cars of Antonio Felix da Costa and Kevin Magnusses were found not to be in contravention of technical regulations. As a result, both drivers' times for the SuperPole were null and void. The Motopark Academy team decided to appeal against the decision and da Costa and Magnussen were permitted to take up their original positions on the weekend's two starting grids. All results for this round of the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 are therefore suspended pending a judgment on the appeal. Da Costa was the fastest away from the lights and finished the first lap in the lead. Behind him, Magnussen gained the upper hand over Albert Costa. The Spaniard attempted to claim back his advantage on the pit straight. Magnussen tried to hold him off, but Costa made a successful maneuver. Behind them, all was confusion. Epsilon Euskadi's Carmos Munoz overtook to claim 4th place. He lead SG Formula's Kuba Giermaziak, Miki Monras and Jenzer Motorsport's Jean-Eric Vergne and Nico Muller.

As the laps went by, Albert Costa caught up with the leader. Behind them, temperatures were rising and Munoz, in a pitched battle with Magnussen, Giremaziak, Monras, Vergne and Muller, ended his race in the gravel, as did Magnussen. Next, it was it was the turn of Monras to throw in the towel. This was good news for Vergne who, starting in 7th, was now in 4th and was busy setting the fastest laps of the race to catch up with Giermaziak in third. The minutes passed, and Albert Costa was looking for an opening and looming larger and larger in da Costa's rear-view mirrors. Likewise, Vergne was hot on the heels of Giremaziak.

These two battles were the highlight of the closing laps. But da Costa and Giermaziak alike held their positions, while Adrian Quaife-Hobbs claimed fifth in the final laps. Da Costa was the first over the line, but pending a verdict, it is Costa who has been declared winner ahead of Giermaziak, who enjoys the first podium finish of his career, and Jean-Eric Vergne. It's now a waiting game. While he was still first passed the chequered flag, due to article 152 of the international sporting regulations, Antonio Felix da Costa is not authorized to climb the podium or figure in the rankings.

Albert Costa: "We're fighting for the championship. Antonio Felix da Costa finished in first place, so I don't really know if I should consider myself the winner or the runner-up. We'll see tonight or tomorrow when the steward's decision comes in."

Kuba Giermaziak: "It didn't go my way in qualifying, and I ended up starting in ninth place. Nevertheless I managed to climb up to third. After that I was concentrating on holding off the other drivers. I'm not going to win the championship, but I'm delighted with this result."

Jean-Eric Vergne: "I had a difficult qualifying session. I was fast yesterday, but I had problems in the SuperPole and I only started from seventh. I made a good start and I was on the attack from start to finish. We're going to keep pushing and it'll all be clear at Motorland Aragon."

Clean sweep for Vergne

With two pole-positions and two race wins, Jean-Eric Vergne (SG Formula) has completed a perfect weekend and moves up to second place in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0. Antonio Felix da Costa (Motopark Academy), on the podium for the seventh time this season, consolidates his leadership in the overall standings, while Albert Costa (Epsilon Euskadi) loses out with a costly retirement.

After his win on Saturday afternoon, Jean-Eric Vergne lined up once again in pole position this Sunday morning, ahead of Albert Costa, Arthur Pic (SG Formula) and Antonio Felix da Costa. The first time through the Dunlop chicane proved eventful for more than one driver. Jean-Eric Vergne held Albert Costa off to save his lead.

Several cars had to cut the chicane and came into contact. For Arthur Pic, Nigel Melker (MP Motorsport), Federico Scionti (One Racing), Nico Muller (Jenzer Motorsport) and Arno Santamato (Pole Services) the race was over, while others had to pit to change nose cones. The safety car went into action ahead of Jean-Eric Vergne, Albert Costa, Antonio Felix da Costa, Kevin Magnussen (Motopark Academy) and Nathanael Berthon (Epsilon Euskadi).

At the restart, Jean-Eric Vergne effected an impressive overtake and behind him Albert Costa fought off a virile, but fair, attack from Antonio Felix da Costa. Costa had to brake late and hard to hold onto second place. Kevin Magnussen and Nathanael Berthon were quick to benefit and were back on the tail of third place Antonio Felix da Costa. Slightly further back, Ramez Azzam (SG Formula), Miki Monras (SG Formula), Adrian Quaife-Hobbs (Motopark Academy) and Kuba Giermaziak (Motopark Academy) battled for 6th place.

In the leader group, the order was shaken up when Albert Costa made a costly error. The Spaniard found himself down in 23rd before having to retire shortly afterwards. He left Jean-Eric Vergne and Antonio Felix da Costa to fight for the win. Behind them, Nathanael Berthon looked for a way through to grab the third podium spot, but Kevin Magnussen was determined to defend his prize.

The spectacular fight between Magnussen and Berthon almost overshadowed the race between the two leaders. Jean-Eric Vergne stabilized the gap at around two seconds over Antonio Felix da Costa and looked to be driving straight towards his third win in a row, his fourth of the season. The Portuguese driver made up some of that gap at the end of the race, but he couldn't stop the Frenchman from executing a Le Mans clean sweep, with Kevin Magnussen claiming the third podium place. At just sixteen, the son of former F1 driver Jan Magnussen climbed onto the podium for the first time in his career.

This win boosts Jean-Eric Vergne's championship campaign, putting him into second place in the Eurocup Formula Renauklt 2.0 standings, seven points behind the leader. For Albert Costa, this retirement may prove costly. He goes away from Le Mans in third place in the overall standings. Only two meetings to go -- and there can only be one winner at the end!

Jean-Eric Vergne: "It's my home country, my home track - because I've learned so much here - so it's great to have the two wins. It's perfect to be up to second place too before the holiday! Now we need to prepare well for the last two legs to go for the title."

Antonio Felix da Costa: "I still lead the championship, and that's perfect. The car was going well today, I slotted in behind Albert Costa and tried to push him into making an error. And he did. Two more podiums, important points scored, we can be satisfied with that."

Kevin Magnussen: "The podium has been my goal since the start of the season, but I kept making a mistake in the first lap. In qualifying, I've had some ups and downs, but overall the performance has been there. I'm very happy today! It's a season for me to learn the ropes and I hope to be fighting for the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 title next year."

Le Mans victory for Vergne

Jean-Eric Vergne (SG Formula) was longing for a win in front of his home crowd at the Le Mans circuit. Job done! The Frenchman led this first race of the weekend from start to finish, in spite of a strong comeback from Albert Costa (Epsilon Euskadi). The three leaders in the overall standings are getting closer and closer, with Antonio Felix da Costa (Motopark Academy), Albert Costa and Jean-Eric Vergne all within ten points now.

A few spots of rain fell to disturb drivers as they concentrated in the minutes before the race, but the track was dry when Jean-Eric Vergne made a perfect getaway as the lights went out, ahead of Albert Costa and Antonio Felix da Costa, who forced Arthur Pic (SG Formula) to cut the chicane. Pic kept in fourth ahead of Miki Monras (SG Formula), Nathanael Berthon (Epsilon Euskadi) and Kevin Magnussen (Motopark Academy).

Jean-Eric Vergne pushed hard early in the race to build up something of a lead over Albert Costa and Antonio Felix da Costa. The Portuguese driver had to keep a look out for Arthur Pic, ready to seize the least opportunity to move up to third place. But Antonio Felix da Costa was not for letting himself be put off and he held the Frenchman at bay, before pulling away by a few lengths.

With each lap, the gap between Jean-Eric Vergne and Albert Costa shrank, so that the Frenchman and the Spaniard were in the same second by the mid-way point, while Antonio Felix da Costa, Arthur Pic, Miki Monras and Nathanael Berthon lay some way back.

In lap 11, Nathanael Berthon drew level with Miki Monras. The two cars came together at one point, and each held his place. At the same time, fighting for 13th position, Adam Kout (Krenek Moorsport) and Adrian Quaife-Hobbs (Motopark Academy) attracted attention with successive overtaking maneuvers. Adrian Quaife-Hobbs thought he'd got the upper hand, only to see Kout reciprocate and take back his 13th place.

The whole SG Formula team held their breath to the finish, as Albert Costa pressed harder and harder in the last laps. But despite Costa's final rush, Jean-Eric Vergne drove to the win for the third time this season, though by only a few tenths of a second. The Frenchman crossed the line ahead of Albert Costa and Antonio Felix da Costa. Antonio Felix da Costa remains the overall leader of the Eurocup Formula Reanult 2.0 with just two points more than Albert Costa and ten points over Jean-Eric Vergne.

Jean-Eric Vergne: "I am very happy with this win on my home turf. For the moment, everything is going perfectly. Also, this is where I learned to drive at the Autosport Academy. It's thanks to them and to the FFSA that I'm now part of the Red Bull Junior Team. It's a very good school and I'd like to thank them all."

Albert Costa: "For me, Vergne is boss of the track now: all credit to him! He won pole position, he took the race win -- a bit like I did at Barcelona. I'm very happy because I'm on the podium again and I'm consistent. We'll have to carry on working to devise a way to win a race and hope to beat Jean-Eric tomorrow."

Antonio Felix da Costa: "I got off to a good start but I was struggling a little with the car in the first half of this season. Then I got back on course and the gap stabilised. It's not bad for the championship - it's always good to score points but from now on things are getting closer and closer. We're going to have to find a solution to get back to winning ways again."

Vergne leaps forward

The Silverstone circuit saw Jean-Eric Vergne (SG Formula) claim his second win of the season in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0. The Frenchman took advantage of a coming together between Albert Costa (Epsilon Euskadi) and Antonio Felix da Costa (Epsilon Euskadi) to do some important catching up in the overall standings. Adam Kout (Krenek Motorsport) and Adrian Quaife-Hobbs (Motopark Academy) also claimed podium finishes.

Just like in race 1, Jean-Eric Vergne started from pole position in race 2 at Silverstone. On Sunday he shared the front row with Albert Costa. The two drivers attacked the first turn in the same order. Adam Kout was in third, with Adrian Quaife-Hobbs, Arthur Pic (SG Formula) and Antonio Felix da Costa hot on his heels. The first lap saw a 360o. spin from Kevin Magnussen (Motopark Academy). The Danish driver got off lightly, but dropped back from 7th to 17th place.

Jean-Eric Vergne and Albert Costa quickly pulled away from the chasing pack, led by Adam Kout. Albert Costa was looking for an opening and was looming larger and larger in Jean-Eric Vergne's rear-view mirrors. The Spanish driver tried his luck at pretty much every bend but the Frenchman resisted.

In lap 6, Albert Costa, trying to get through on the inside, had to run off to avoid a crash. He rejoined back in 7th position. Costa wasted no time in getting past Matias Laine (Motopark Academy) to move back up to 6th, just behind Antonio Felix da Costa. But at that point Albert Costa threw caution to the wind and found himself broadsiding Antonio Felix da Costa on lap 8. Both drivers were left stranded, so numbers one and two in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 overall standings retired from the race together.

This left Jean-Eric Vergne alone in the lead and Adam Kout in second place. It was now Kout's turn, in fact, to be put under severe pressure with incessant attacks from Adrian Quaife-Hobbs and Arthur Pic. The Czech driver refused to be overwhelmed by their advances and drove to his first podium finish in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0. Despite a final attempt from Adrian Quaife-Hobbs in the last lap, the order remained unchanged.

So Jean-Eric Vergne took his second win of the season,, ahead of Adam Kout and Adrian Quaife-Hobbs. In spite of having to retire, Antonio Felix de Costa (Motopark Academy) stays on top of the overall standings, four points ahead of Albert Costa. But it's Jean-Eric Vergne who can consider today's race a good job done, as it propels him into third place in the championship standings, before heading to Le Mans in a fortnight's time.

Jean-Eric Vergne: "The car was more effective than yesterday, we've really improved the behaviour. The start of the race was pretty eventful with Albert. He wanted to pass me, but I closed the door. I'm here to win races, not to settle for second. This win was important, my goal is still to be champion this season."

Adam Kout: "It's been a fantastic weekend. The qualifying sessions were a great moment for me. Yesterday the race was more difficult, but I'm over the moon with this first podium. The Krenek Motorsport team is making lots of progress, we're working hard and this result is a reward for all our efforts. I'm dreaming of a win now."

Adrian Quaife-Hobbs: "I've had ups and downs this weekend. We were very quick in collective testing, but a lot less quick in qualifying. The race didn't go well yesterday ; but fortunately I'm on the podium today. I was quicker than Adam, but there was no way of overtaking, he didn't make a mistake."

da Costa's day

With consistent performances all season, Antonio Felix da Costa (Motopark Academy) nevertheless needed a win to confirm his rank of championship leader in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0. After starting from 3rd place on the grid, the Portuguese driver got his win, thanks to some fine attacking driving. He finishes ahead Albert Costa (Epsilon Euskadi) and Jean-Eric Vergne (SG Formula).

The crowds were still out in numbers at Silverstone as the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 drivers lined up on the start grid, with Jean-Eric Vergne in pole position, sharing the front row with the surprising Adam Kout (Krenek Motorsport). Vergne got the better start and soon pulled away from Kout, who had his hands full containing Antonio Felix da Costa, Albert Costa and Miki Monras (SG Formula).

But do what he may, Adam Kout was forced to relinquish his second place by an unstoppable attack from Antonio Felix da Costa in lap 3. Albert Costa made the most of the opening at the next turn. So within a few seconds, Kout was down from second to fourth place. For da Costa and Costa, the name of the game now was to claw back Jean-Eric Vergne's three second lead.

In lap 6, Adam Kout, then in 4th, was brought to a halt at the side of the track, with a broken transmission shaft. Miki Monras, Carlos Munoz (Epsilon Euskadi), Kevin Magnussen (Motopark Academy) and Arthur Pic (SG Formula), jostling for position among themselves, all moved up one place at his expense. At the same time the gap between Jean-Eric Vergne and the chasing pair, Antonio Felix da Costa / Albert Costa, was being eroded lap after lap. With ten minutes to go, Vergne had a lead of just one second.

Antonio Felix da Costa was clearly up for it today. The Portuguese driver moved up wheel to wheel with the Frenchman. Neither driver wanted to give in, but Antonio Felix de Costa was in the better position at the end of the pit straight and got ahead. Albert Costa took advantage of the situation and also got past Jean-Eric Vergne. Now in the lead, Antonio Felix da Costa had every reason to be on the lookout for Albert Costa. It looked like the Spaniard was determined to stop da Costa pick up his first win of the season.

In spite of Albert Costa's best efforts, Antonio Felix da Costa drove to his maiden victory of the campaign, strengthening his position at the top of the overall Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 standings. Mid-way through the season, his lead stands at five points. Jean-Eric Vergne rounded up podium trio.

Antonio Felix da Costa: "Ever since my days in Karting, I'd always wanted to win a race in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, to do like Felipe Albuquerque who I followed in all his races. So I'm very happy today, all the more so as I needed to consolidate my lead in the overall standings."

Albert Costa: "Our car wasn't the most competitive today, so second is a good result. Each time I finish, I'm on the podium. The only thing is now I really need to win so as not to let Antonio Felix da Costa get away."

Jean-Eric Vergne: The race started off well, but car got very difficult to drive. It was sliding around a lot. Also, I didn't have enough fuel at the end. Given those conditions I have to be satisfied with third. We need to work to find solutions, and starting from pole tomorrow I need to win."

A big first for Sorensen

After a fine start from pole position, Marco Sorensen (Motopark Academy) drove to victory for the first time in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, in this his first season in the category. The Danish driver crossed the finish line ahead of team-mate Adrian Quaife-Hobbs (Motopark Academy) and Albert Costa (Epsilon Euskadi). With a sixth place finish, Antonio Felix de Costa (Motopark Academy) stays on top of the overall standings just two points ahead of Albert Costa.

Following race 1, Kevin Magnussen (Motopark Academy) got a four-position grid penalty for unsporting track behaviour, so he dropped back from 2nd to 6th for the start. This left his countryman Marco Sorensen (Motopark Academy) to share the front row with British team-mate Adrian Quaife-Hobbs (Motopark Academy).

The two men completed lap one in the same one-two order, ahead of Kuba Giermaziak (Motopark Academy), Albert Costa and Miki Monras (SG Formula). Meanwhile, Kevin Magnussen, Arthur Pic (SG Formula), Nathanael Berthon (Epsilon Euskadi), Carlos Munoz (Epsilon Euskadi) and Daniel Mancinelli (One Racing) all fell victim to race incidents in the first lap. Munoz and Mancinelli had to retire, and Magnussen, Pic and Berthon found themselves at the back of the field.

Up front, Marco Sorensen applied himself to containing Adrian Quaife-Hobbs. Albert Costa was moving through the field and looking an increasing threat. The Spaniard got past Giermaziak into third, then started to come back on Sorensen and Quaife-Hobbs. The fight for fourth place was looking equally contested. Kuba Giermaziak had to keep an eye on Miki Monras and Antonio Felix da Costa, looming closer and closer in his rear view mirrors.

Behind leader Marco Sorensen, positions were seriously bunching up. The first six cars were all inside three seconds as the chequered flag approached. The final stages also saw Jean-Eric Vergne press to catch up ground. In an attacking move, the Frenchman got past Nico Muller (Jenzer Motorsport) and Nigel Melker (MP Motorsport), moving up to 8th place, before slipping back into 10th place.

There was more excitement when Miki Monras overtook Kuba Giermaziak to take fourth place. In spite of the best efforts of Albert Costa in the final laps, the race order didn't see further changes. So Marco Sorensen took his first win this season in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, finishing ahead of Adrian Quaife-Hobbs and Albert Costa. Antonio Felix da Costa and Albert Costa stay locked in battle at the top of the overall standings. Antonio Felix da Costa leaves Hungary just two points ahead of Albert Costa.

Marco Sorensen: "It's been a fantastic weekend. Two pole positions and one win -- I wasn't expecting this success so early in the season. I was on the pace from the very start back on Thursday, but I didn't know if it would hold out all weekend. Everything went perfectly in qualifying and in the race today -- I want to savour it a little."

Adrian Quaife-Hobbs: "The weekend has been very competitive. We were running very well in collective testing, but things didn't go so well in qualifying. The race was interesting today, but I was never in a position to attack Marco. This podium comes at a very good time, before my home leg at Silverstone."

Albert Costa: "Coming into this weekend, we had been clearly under-performing compared to my rivals. We broke an engine yesterday, and everyone in the team has put in lots of work to make thecar competitive today. This podium finish is a reward for all the team. I'm just two points behind Antonio Felix da Costa-- it's close."

Jean-Eric Vergne gets going!

Jean-Eric Vergne (SG Formula) has been chasing an elusive first success since the start of the season. After getting off to an excellent start on Saturday, the French driver produced the perfect race to pull off his first win in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, ahead of Nathanael Berthon (Epsilon Euskadi) and Miki Monras (SG Formula). In fourth place, Antonio Felix da Costa (Motopark Academy) cashes in on Albert Costa's (Espilon Euskadi) retirement, to go back to the top of the overall standings.

In front of a big crowd enjoying the Budapest sun, Jean-Eric Vergne surprised pole-sitter Marco Sorensen (Motopark Academy) by getting the better start and leading him through the first corner. The Motopark Academy drivers made a hapless race start after impressing so much in qualifying. Kuba Giermaziak (Motopark Academy), obstructed by Sorensen, put his wheels on the grass and ended up hitting Kevin Magnussen (Motopark Academy) in the first bend. Nathanael Berthon (Epsilon Euskadi), Albert Costa (Epsilon Euskadi) and Miki Monras (SG Formula) were only too pleased to take advantage of the situation.

Jean-Eric Vergne completed the first lap in the lead, ahead of Marco Sorensen, Nathanael Berthon, Albert Costa, Miki Monras and Antonio Felix da Costa. As Vergne pulled away, Costa was attacking Berthon while Felix da Costa looked for an opening to pass Monras.

The race order stabilised. After five laps, Jean-Eric Vergne had built up a lead of three seconds over Marco Sorensen. The Dane was now faced with an increasing threat from the chasing group of Berthon, Costa, Monras and Felix da Costa. Further back, Adrian Quaife-Hobbs was pulling out all the stops to get past Nigel Melker (MP Motorsport) to move up to 9th. The Dutch driver did all he could but Adrian Quaife-Hobbs found a way through in the end.

In lap 9, Nathanael Berthon overtook Marco Sorensen. Albert Costa also made the most of the opening to get the better of Sorensen. This put the Epsilon Euskadi drivers in second and third places, five seconds back from race leader Vergne. However, on the next lap, Albert Costa was forced to halt his car at the side of the track, due to an incipient rear blaze.

Jean-Eric Vergne and Nathanael Berthon held their positions right to the chequered flag. So Vergne was able to claim his first win in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, allowing his to get moving with his championship campaign at last. The battle for podium places raged on to the very end. Miki Monras eventually made his move on Marco Sorensen, who also proved unable to hold off Antonio Felix Da Costa. The Portuguese driver's fourth place finish puts him back to the top of the overall Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 championship standings.

Jean-Eric Vergne: "I'm really very happy. The start went very well and th car was very good throughout. I built up a lead and I made sure I managed the end of the race. I was in real need of the win here. The start of the season has been very difficult. We're moving in the right direction, that can only be good for us moving forward."

Nathanael Berthon: "Starting from seventh on the grid, I really didn't expect to finish on the podium. I had a bit of luck at the start for sure, but nevertheless the car was really very good for this race."

Miki Monras: "I got off to a good start myself, but when I was making my bid for second place, I had to avoid a couple of drivers who were in trouble. I didn't feel too good with the car in the first few laps, but I upped the pace and felt better and better as time went on. At the end of the race I managed to get past Sorensen. It's a very good result for all the team and for myself."

Costa takes his revenge

After getting disqualified after race 1 due a technical non-conformity, Albert Costa (Epsilon Euskadi) owed it to himself to underline his talent by excelling in race 2. Acclaimed by a big crowd willing him on to victory, Albert Costa took the win on home soil ahead of Antonio Felix da Costa (Motopark Academy) and Miki Monras (SG Formula).

The sun was shining on the Barcelona circuit this Sunday morning and the public had come in large numbers to attend the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 race 2. And in front of his home crowd, Albert Costa made a perfect start from pole position to take control of the race, ahead of Miki Monras, Antonio Felix da Costa and Nico Muller (Jenzer Motorsport).

There were a number of collisions to report. The safety car was called out and several cars had to be cleared Adrian Quaife-Hobbs (Motopark Academy), Nathanael Berthon (Epsilon Euskadi), Carlos Munoz (Epsilon Euskadi), Luciano Bacheta (Epsilon Sport) and Johan Jokinen (Iquick Valencia). Marco Sorensen (Motopark Academy) went into the pits and had to retire, while Daniel de Jong (MP Motorsport) had a new bonnet fitted and was able to restart.

As the safety car pulled off, Albert Costa held the lead ahead of Monras and Felix da Costa. Very much in attacking form, Antonio Felix da Costa found a gap and got past Miki Monras to move into second. Patrick Kronenberger (Iquick Valencia) lay in 4th position while Jean-Eric Vergne, eleventh on the start grid, had already shifted up to fifth, after an overtaking spree that included Nico Muller.

Albert Costa stretched his lead with each lap. By mid-race, the Barcelonese was over four seconds ahead of second-placed Antonio Felix da Costa. The battle for third place on the podium was still undecided. Miki Monras was under pressure from Patrick Kronenberger, Jean-Eric Vergne and Nico Muller. Back in seventh place, Adam Kout (Krenek Motorsport) was having to resist the come-back of James Calado (Fortec Motorsport), as well as Daniel Mancinelli (One Racing) and Arthur Pic (SG Formula). The Krenek Motorsport driver finally weakened under the pressure and was overtaken by his co-competitors.

The duel between Kronenberger and Vergne let Monras get away. Jean-Eric Vergne was showing signs of impatience behind the German driver and Nico Muller tried to take advantage of the situation. In an overly optimistic manoeuvre, the Swiss driver came together with the Frenchman. Patrick Kronenberger held onto his 4th place, but Vergne and Muller had to retire. James Calado, Daniel Mancinelli and Arthur Pic benefited, moving up to 5th, 6th and 7th.

Albert Costa lead the race from start-to-finish and took sweet revenge after the disappointment of Saturday's disqualification. The Spaniard finished more than seven seconds ahead of Antonio Felix da Costa and Miki Monras. With two podium finishes this weekend, Antonio Felix da Costa goes away from Barcelona e at the top of the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 standings.

Albert Costa: "Getting disqualified yesterday only made me even more motivated today. I got a perfect start and immediately pressed as hard as I could to create the gap. After the race was neutralized my strategy was the same: I pushed hard for two or three laps, then I controlled the lead. It's only the beginning of the season and we have a lot of work to do. We've not done badly here for the championship race. We're competitive and we need to carry on with the good work at Spa-Francorchamps."

Antonio Felix da Costa: "This is a good weekend for us, despite not doing so well in qualifying in my case. I scored important points yesterday and today. I managed to overtake Miki Monras at the restart. My next job will be to get my first win in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0. I love Spa-Francorchamps and I hope I can do it there."

Miki Monras: "It's a real thrill for me to finish on the podium, especially here in Barcelona. It's not been the greatest weekend for us, but we go away with a few points on the board. At the restart I didn't see that Antonio was so close. My braking into the turn wasn't good and he took advantage of that. We have to make some more progress, but by the time we get to Spa-Francorchamps all the team at SG Formula is going to be ready to get our own back."

Home win for the Barcelona man

Albert Costa disqualified, Nathanael Berthon is winner . Albert Costa (Epsilon Euskadi) has been disqualified in race 1 due to a technical non-compliance on his car's gearbox. Consequently, all the other drivers that finished the race move up one position. So Nathanael Berthon (Epsilon Euskadi) takes his first victory in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, ahead of Nico Muller (Jenzer Motorsport) and Antonio Felix da Costa (Motopark Academy).

On home turf, Albert Costa (Epsilon Euskadi) got off to the best possible start to the season, taking his first win in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0. After leading the race from start to finish, the man from Barcelona crossed the line ahead of team mate Nathanael Berthon (Epsilon Euskadi). Swiss driver Nico Muller (Jenzer Motorsport) takes the other podium spot after a close-run contest with James Calado (Fortec Motorsport) who fell victim to a puncture right at the end of the race.

The threatening sky above the Barcelona circuit was in no way going to affect the motivation levels of the thirty drivers raring to do battle at this first meeting of Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 season. From his enviable pole position, Albert Costa made a perfect start. Behind him, James Calado was quicker away than Nico Muller and raced into second place. Nathanael Berthon also took the opportunity to speed past Muller into third. Albert Costa set a fast pace early in the race and quickly put space between himself and the chasing drivers. James Calado was proving able to handle the pressure from Nathanael Berthon and Nico Muller, while in fifth place, Johan Jokinen (Iquick Valencia) was feeling the pressure from Antonio Felix da Costa (Motopark Academy) and Miki Monras (SG Formula).

Gradually this group was being caught up by Kevin Magnussen (Motopark Academy) and Jean-Eric Vergne (SG Formula). Behind Albert Costa, eight cars were practically nose to tail at this point in the race. Jean-Eric Vergne moved past Kevin Magnussen into 8th place. He then moved to take on his team mate Miki Monras. In front of his home crowd, the Spaniard wasn't going to let himself be passed. The consequence was an excursion into the gravel trap for Jean-Eric Vergne followed by Kevin Magnussen. Vergne re-entered the fray in 12th place, whereas Magnussen was forced to retire.

As always in this typically action-packed Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 race, there were numerous duels throughout the field. Further back in a battle for 13th place, Carlos Munoz (Epsilon Euskadi) and Daniel de Jong (MP Motorsport) got the better of Dominic Storey (SG Formula). Meanwhile up ahead, the gap between Albert Costa and James Calado stabilized at three seconds. The British driver's third place was still under threat from attacks by Nathanael Berthon and Nico Muller. Berthon came back strong in the closing stages and pushed past Calado at the end of the start-finish straight. The Frenchman was now second. In the next lap it was Nico Muller's turn to get the better of Calado. The victim of a puncture on his right rear tyre, the British driver was in the end unable to make his excellent performance count and was forced to retire.

Beyond the three leaders, Antonio Felix da Costa was still looking for an opening to get past Johan Jokinen. The Dane came unstuck in the penultimate lap and had to let Antonio Felix da Costa through. After leading from start to finish, Albert Costa claimed his first victory in Formula Renault 2.0 ahead of Nathanael Berthon, giving Epsilon Euskadi the one-two. Nico Muller came in third, making this first podium of the season a 100% first in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0.

Albert Costa: "This first win couldn't have come at a better time. There's a weight off my shoulders now! I pushed hard in the first laps, then I maintained the gap. I had to stay very focused to the finish, particularly the last laps, because there was rain in some of the turns."

Nathanael Berthon: "It's my first podium in the discipline, after learning the ropes last year. We're all working toward the same goal at Epsilon Euskadi, we want to win the championship. This second place makes me want to do even better, and very soon."

Nico Muller: "I got off to a bad start. This podium finish is a little lucky for me, because I took advantage of James Calado's misfortune in the last laps. We worked a lot this winter with Jenzer Motorsport. This is a first reward for our efforts. Tomorrow it will be tougher for me, because I start from 5th place.

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