Australian Oscar Piastri sweeps Formula Renault Eurocup weekend at Silverstone
Oscar Piastri had an outstanding weekend at Silverstone for rounds three and four of the 2019 Formula Renault Eurocup season, taking both pole positions and converting both into race wins.
The Australia, who currently studies in the United Kingdom, faced tough competition from teammate Alex Smolyar in both races.
“I’m happy to get another two wins as my last race victory was here at Silverstone”, said the young Australian. “R-ace GP has done a really good job – Alex and I have been quick all weekend and it was looking like a one-two in race one before he broke down, but we managed to get it on Sunday.”
“We’ve been the quickest team by far all weekend”
In Saturday’s round 3 race, Piastri and Smolyar went side-by-side for the first two laps before Piastri conceded the lead. The consistent pressure paid off, with the Russian running wide on lap five and retiring soon after.
With a clear track ahead of him, Piastri pulled a 12 second gap to the chasing pack to consolidate his victory.
Piastri said:
The first lap battle on Saturday was pretty intense. We’re part of the same team but also racers who want to beat each other. We gave each other good racing room – it was a good hard battle. It would have been nice to have come out on top of but staying on track gave me the victory. I knew if we kept fighting then everyone behind would stay with us so after the first lap I didn’t want to push too hard. One I had the lead it was just a case of keeping things going to get the win.
In Sunday’s round 4 race, the BRDC Rising Star held the lead from the start of the race and held it until the chequered flag, moving to the top of the championship standings in the process.
Piastri dedicated the Mother’s Day win to his mum:
Sunday’s qualifying was the best session I have ever had; I don’t think I’ve had a pole position by so much. The race was a bit easier going: I thought Alex was going to be strong and for the first few laps he was keeping me honest, but the gap was gradually increasing, and I just maintained it from there. It’s been a pretty faultless day and it is great to do this as it is Mother’s Day back in Australia so it’s a win for my Mum.
The Formula Renault Eurocup continues May 23-26 in support of the Monaco Grand Prix.
Piastri on the top step of the podium for Round 3
All images: Dutch Photo Agency
