Arden Motorsport celebrated a return to the podium in the Formula Renault Eurocup courtesy of Ugo de Wilde at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya last weekend [10-11 October].
The Banbury-based team made the journey out to the 2.8-mile Spanish circuit with optimism after positive work back at HQ alongside the team’s drivers; Alex Quinn, Reshad De Gerus and de Wilde.
After running at the sharp end of the field throughout pre-event testing and qualifying, de Wilde delivered on the team’s promise in the opening race, bringing the car home third to secure his first visit to the rostrum in 2020.
With Quinn bagging another solid haul of points behind in seventh, and with De Gerus 17th but adapting fast on his first visit to the high-speed, sweeping Montmelo circuit, spirits were high – though that proved to be the high point of the weekend.
De Gerus’ run through the pack to record a career-best finish of 11th in his rookie campaign served as the highlight in race two, with de Wilde and Quinn both unfortunate retirees.
Because of wildcard entries ahead, it also means the Reunionese driver scores his maiden point in Europe’s premier single-seater category, just reward for plenty of hard work and progression behind the scenes.
De Wilde had been running up at the front but was forced off in avoidance of an incident at the first corner, before the Belgian and Quinn were both taken out in other driver’s incidents.
Despite that setback, the team cemented their fifth spot in the Teams’ Championship, with Quinn and de Wilde now mainstays in the top ten in the Drivers’ stakes.
The 2020 Formula Renault Eurocup season continues at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium, on 23-24 October.
Ben Salter, Arden Formula Renault Team Manager:
“It was definitely a mixed bag, but I think it’s important we take all the positives out of the weekend in Barcelona.
“Firstly, congratulations to Ugo on his first podium of the season. He’s been working hard – as have all the drivers – and it’s great to see that rewarded with a decent result.
“Alex did well to bring home more points, and we’re really impressed with how Reshad is applying himself, particularly on circuits like these that he’s never visited before – his first point in the championship is a fair reward for all the work he’s been putting in.
“Overall, we have a lot to feel motivated about, and now it’s about channelling that into our preparations for Spa-Francorchamps in a fortnight’s time. Thanks to the whole team, as always, for their hard work.”
Alex Quinn (#20) said:
“I was really happy with the improvements in the car, we’ve shown our pace many times during this weekend and being able to set times right at the front.
“Unfortunately when it mattered, things didn’t go our way, but it’s made me even more determined to get back out there and get on the podium.”
Reshad De Gerus (#21) said:
“It was a difficult weekend for me with a lack of performance, I have to work on some points to be more competitive.
“I'm concentrating on the next meeting which will take place in Spa-Francorchamps, a circuit that I like very much.”
Ugo de Wilde (#27) said:
“Overall it was a really positive weekend. It could have been better but could have been worse also.
“We did a good step forward compared to last event, and we need to keep the momentum onto the next event.
“I’m really happy to be back on the podium because that’s where we deserve to be. Next race will be at home on the most beautiful track in the world, so I’m even more motivated to be back on the podium there!”