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PIASTRI ON TRACK FOR FORMULA 1 DREAM

Oscar Piastri on track for Formula 1 dream - Photo: Supplied

By Heath McAlpine

Date posted: January 27, 2020

Oscar Piastri on track for Formula 1 dream - Photo: Supplied

Oscar Piastri on track for Formula 1 dream – Photo: Supplied

Recent winner of the Formula Renault Eurocup title, Australian teenager Oscar Piastri has been confirmed as a member of the RenaultSport Academy becoming aligned directly with French manufacturer’s Formula 1 team.

By HEATH McALPINE

Piastri will step up to the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2020, joining perennial front-running team Prema Powerteam, while also enjoying the support of RenaultSport Academy, which aims to nurture young drivers through the junior ranks with the overall objective to place an Academy graduate in the Formula 1 race seat.

The 18-year-old will not only juggle racing commitments, but will also complete his studies in the United Kingdom where he has been based since competing in the British Formula 4 Championship in 2017.

Last year was a breakthrough season for Piastri as he finished his second season of Formula Renault Eurocup with seven wins, 11 podiums and five pole positions to take the crown, 7.5 points clear of Victor Martins.

“I am very excited to join the Renault Sport Academy for 2020 and I can’t wait to get into the new season with Prema Racing in Formula 3,” said Piastri.

“Many talented drivers have come through the Academy and there is a strong line-up this year, so I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can from the fellow members.

“It was hard work getting to this point in my career having won the Formula Renault Eurocup last year, but it was all worth it, and I’m extremely proud to now be part of this illustrious team and Academy and maximising their support.”

Oscar Piastri chats with Daniel Ricciardo - Photo: Supplied

Oscar Piastri chats with Daniel Ricciardo – Photo: Supplied

Piastri hasn’t felt the added pressure of the new alignment.

“To be honest I don’t think it’s a big increase of pressure, if I wasn’t with Renault’s Academy, I’d probably still be pushing just as hard to get into the Academy,” Piastri told Auto Action.

“In terms of that aspect, nothing really changes, obviously my job to get to Formula 1 is far from done yet so this is just the next step along the line. I’m still going to be pushing to prove myself and hopefully get towards Formula 1.”

RenaultSport Academy director Mia Sharizman is ecstatic to have Piastri join the team and is hopeful he can join fellow Aussie Daniel Ricciardo on the Formula 1 grid soon.

“We’re very excited to welcome Oscar to the Renault Sport Academy,” said Sharizman.

“We had the opportunity to monitor Oscar for the last three years in British F4 and the Formula Renault Eurocup. We were very impressed every time we saw Oscar, especially with his performances last season.

“He kept his cool against tough competition to secure the title in the closing stages of the year. He has great natural ability and is one of Australia’s most exciting young racing prospects. Oscar will face a competitive field in Formula 3, but we will support him in all areas throughout his rookie season.”

For more of the latest motorsport news pick up the current issue of Auto Action. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.

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