WSR: Vergne confirms dual campaigns

Red Bull Junior Jean-Eric Vergne has confirmed that he will run dual campaign in British F3 and Formula Renault 3.5 this season.

The Frenchman has already been signed by Carlin to contest the British F3 International Series and has now joined SG Formula in the World Series by Renault.

Vergne, runner-up in both the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup and WEC last season, topped the timesheets for Carlin in British F3 testing last week and has admitted that, with one date clash between the two series, he will favour his F3 campaign.

"I'm very happy to be taking part in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series in addition to my British F3 programme," said the 19-year-old. "I have prepared physically this winter to be able to combine both programmes.

“My aim is to win the Formula 3 title and create one or two surprises in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, and it's perfect for me to be able to count on an experienced partner like Marcos Martinez.”

Carlin boss, Trevor Carlin, said he had no problem in Vergne running dual campaigns, having run fellow Red Bull protégé Brendon Hartley in the F3 Euro Series and Formula Renault 3.5 Series in 2009.

"I'm happy for him to have the opportunity to gain some experience," he said. "I believe in Red Bull's approach to racing. They have a sink or swim philosophy, if their drivers can't jump into a World Series car and do the job then they're not going to be able to jump into an F1 car."

Watch the British F3 International Series and World Series by Renault on Motors TV (Sky Channel 413, Virgin Media 545).


Andy Wilkinson