Formula Renault 3.5 Series at Le Mans: Seventh win for Rowland

Oliver Rowland (Fortec Motorsports) is almost certainly the new champion of Formula Renault 3.5 Series after today’s victory at Circuit Bugatti Le Mans. Three races are remaining (with 75 points maximum) and Rowland has a 74-point advantage ahead of Matthieu Vaxiviere (Lotus), who finished 10th today. One more race at Le Mans is scheduled for tomorrow and it’s hard to expect that Rowland will miss his chance to confirm the title.

After starting from pole, Rowland achieved his seventh victory of the season, leading the race from lights to the checkered flag. His only championship title rival Vaxiviere started 3rd and jumped to 2nd in Lap 3, in front of Egor Orudzhev (Arden Motorsport). After that, Vaxiviere was chasing the leader and trying to attack him, but without success. In Lap 10, front of Vaxiviere’s car touched the rear tyre of Rowland’s car.

The tyre was undamaged but Vaxiviere’s front wing suffered little damage and he lost the pace. Following the front wing damage, he was under attacks of Orudzhev. Shortly after that Vaxiviere was penalized with 10 seconds because of repeatedly leaving the track and gaining the advantage. He crossed the finish line 2.958 seconds behind Rowland. With added 10 seconds he slipped to 10th, behind Tio Ellinas (Strakka Racing).

All positions in Top 10 were unchanged from first lap until the end, without overtakings and close fights. Orudzhev took the second spot at the podium, Tom Dillmann (Jagonya Ayam with Carlin) was third. Other point scorers are Dean Stoneman (4th, DAMS), Aurelien Panis (5th, Tech 1 Racing), Yu Kanamaru (6th, Pons Racing), Nyck De Vries (7th, DAMS) and Roy Nissany (8th, Tech 1 Racing).

While Oliver Rowland will have a chance to confirm his championship title tomorrow, his team Fortec Motorsports secured the title today with unattainable advantage ahead of Lotus and DAMS. Second Fortec’s driver Jazeman Jaafar finished 13th.