PERONI EMBARKS ON EUROCUP CAMPAIGN

Fortec Motorsport has signed Tasmanian youngster Alex Peroni to contest this year’s Renault Eurocup Series.

17-year-old Peroni dominated in last year’s VdeV Formula Renault Championship and entered as a wildcard in the final round of last year’s Eurocup season, finishing his debut race in fourth place.

Peroni is looking to emulate the numerous Formula 1 stars that have used Formula Renault as a stepping stone to the highest level of motorsport, which includes fellow Aussie Daniel Ricciardo.

“Ever since I started racing karts as a seven year-old I’ve dreamed of following the drivers I look up to into Formula 1,” Peroni said.

“Daniel Ricciardo raced successfully in Formula Renault on his way to F1, and I hope to do the same.

”Winning the Monoplace Championship last year was incredible, but Eurocup is the next level so I’ll have to work even harder.

“Having tested with Fortec last year, I’m confident that we can achieve great results together.

Launched in Hobart, Peroni’s racing plans were announced in front of previous supporters Blundstone and RACT, while extra support has come from United Petroleum and Renault Australia.

Also in attendance was Fortec Motorsport’s Martin Young, who is manager of the team’s Formula Renault Eurocup operation who is impressed by the young Australian.

“We are delighted that Alex will be racing with Fortec Motorsport this year,” Mr Young said.

“He came to our notice during the Monoplace Championship last year. Winning that series at just 16 years of age was no mean feat.

“Alex’s subsequent performances at the final Eurocup round and our Spa test session showed us that he had the speed to step up to Eurocup.

“He also worked very well with our race engineers, which was equally important.

“Alex is an exciting young driver. We believe he has the ability to be among the Eurocup front runners and challenge for race wins right from the start of the series.”

Peroni will complete tests at Magny-Cours, Paul Ricard and the Nurburgring ahead of the season opening race at Monza on April 21-23.