The 2010 World Series by Renault marked the sixth season of this prestigious motorsport series, showcasing a variety of racing championships under one banner. This season was notable for its diverse range of events, including the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, Eurocup Mégane Trophy, and the F4 Eurocup 1.6. The series offered fans a unique experience, with free entry to all events, making it accessible to a wide audience.
A Diverse Racing Calendar
The 2010 season kicked off on April 17 at the Ciudad del Motor de Aragón in Alcañiz and concluded on October 10 at the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona. This year saw a reversal of the previous season's opening and closing venues, adding a fresh twist to the series. Throughout the season, the series visited eight different venues across Europe, including Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Notably, the Formula Renault 3.5 Series had an additional race in support of the Monaco Grand Prix, further elevating its profile.
The F4 Eurocup 1.6 made its debut in the World Series by Renault in 2010, although it did not visit Brno, resulting in a seven-round calendar for this championship. Meanwhile, the Eurocup Mégane Trophy began its season at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit, setting the stage for an exciting year of racing.
Highlights of the Formula Renault 3.5 Series
The Formula Renault 3.5 Series was a standout component of the 2010 World Series by Renault. The season began with a dramatic race at Motorland Aragón, where only nine of the 24 starters finished. Russian driver Mikhail Aleshin emerged victorious, marking his return to the series after a year in the FIA Formula Two Championship. Throughout the season, Aleshin faced fierce competition from drivers like Daniel Ricciardo and Esteban Guerrieri, leading to thrilling races and unexpected outcomes.
Aleshin's consistent performance, including victories at Spa-Francorchamps and Magny-Cours, helped him maintain a strong position in the championship standings. The season culminated in a nail-biting finale at Barcelona, where Aleshin secured his first major championship title after a tense battle with Ricciardo.
The Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and Other Championships
The Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 introduced a new chassis for the 2010 season, adding an element of excitement and unpredictability. Kevin Korjus, a Eurocup debutant, made a strong impression by winning both season-opening races at Motorland Aragón. As the season progressed, drivers like Arthur Pic and Luciano Bacheta emerged as formidable contenders, adding depth to the championship.
In the Eurocup Mégane Trophy, Nick Catsburg dominated the latter part of the season, securing the title for TDS Racing. Meanwhile, the F4 Eurocup 1.6 saw Stoffel Vandoorne claim the championship with a series of impressive performances, including multiple race wins.
Overall, the 2010 World Series by Renault was a season filled with thrilling races, emerging talents, and memorable moments, solidifying its reputation as a premier motorsport series.
