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Formula Renault 2.0 West European Cup
Formula Renault 2.0 WEC will be organized by Signature. Patrick Sinault,
the promoter of the category, provides an outline of what this new
Championship will look like.
Why is the West European Cup being created?
"Over recent years, we have observed that drivers' careers in single-seater
racing are getting shorter and shorter. Drivers are starting out in
single-seaters at an increasingly early age – now around 16 years old –
and want to test their skills at an international level as soon as
possible. Though we were totally happy with the number of entries for
the French Championship in 2007, we felt it was necessary mark a new
beginning to keep the competition at the level expected by both the
teams and drivers. The West European Cup is designed to complement both
the North European Cup, as well as the Italian and British
Championships. It will enable Formula Renault 2.0 to gain a firm
foothold on the Iberian peninsula."
How are you going to go about organizing this Championship?
"Having already operated the Super Série FFSA on behalf of Renault Sport
from 2003 to 2006, Signature was then appointed to act as promoter for
the French Formula Renault 2.0 Championship and the French Clio Cup in
2007. We can provide both the stability and the experience necessary to
organize this type of championship. To ensure that we can offer the best
possible service to the Spanish and Portuguese teams and drivers, we
will also call on the expertise of RPM Racing. The Formula Renault 2.0
WEC will be organized according to the same quality standards as the
World Series by Renault. We will continue to use the same methods that
have made Formula Renault 2.0 such a success: namely, a limited number
of test sessions and tyres, a single engine supplier, a technical
support and spare parts service at meetings, plus promotional and
communications services and more."
What is the race calendar going to look like for 2008?
"It will consist of fourteen days of collective testing and eight
meetings which will not conflict with the dates for the World Series by
Renault. All the events will be held on FIA-approved circuits. The
Championship will run in four countries: France (Nogaro, Dijon, Le Mans
and/or Magny-Cours), Spain (Valencia, Barcelona), Portugal (Estoril) and
Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps). We are waiting for the definitive dates for
the Super Série FFSA and the World Series by Renault before releasing
the dates for our calendar."
What titles will be up for grabs?
"In addition to the usual Drivers and Teams standings, we will also be
continuing with the Challenger Cup, only open to 2004 versions of
single-seaters. This category was a huge success in 2007. The winner,
Sylvain Milesi, came away with a 2007 bodywork kit meaning he can enter
the WEC at half-price."
What will be the format for meetings?
"We will retain the current setup used for French Championship meetings,
with one hour of free practice on the Friday, then a qualifying session
and a 25-minute race on both Saturdays and Sundays."
What do you expect the line-up to be?
"We are taking entries until January, 31 2008. Obviously, we will be
looking first and foremost for entries from those taking part in the
French Championship. However, Spanish, Belgian and British teams – as
well as some young driver programmes – have already expressed an
interest."
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