Jack Aitken – Britain, 20
Besides Rowland, it was only natural for Renault to make Jack Aitken – another of its 2015 champions – part of its revived young driver programme. On top of winning the flagship Eurocup series in a nail-biting, eight-way season finale in Jerez, the Briton also took the honours in the ALPS Formula Renault 2.0 categories. Aitken actually won three titles last year since he also prevailed in the Pro Mazda Winterfest.
Most of his career in single-seaters has been strongly linked to Renault, starting with the Formula Renault BARC Winter Series in 2012. He came second in the Northern European Cup (NEC) one year later, while also making his Eurocup debut that same year.
A full campaign in Formula Renault 2.0’s premier category yielded a maiden win and another three podiums in 2014, with Aitken eventually finishing seventh. Last year's Eurocup title tilt was actually off to a slow start. After the opening five races, he only had a best result of seventh to show for it.
Aitken, who is half-Scottish and half-Korean, launched his recovery with a first win in Hungary and extended the momentum after the summer break, consistently chipping away at Louis Delétraz’ huge lead. Entering the final round in Jerez in third position, Aitken managed to hoist himself up to first place at the end of a thrilling, rain-hit weekend.
Having tested in GP3 Series and the newly-rebranded Formula V8 3.5 over the winter, the latest Eurocup champion has announced he will race in the former category with Arden.
Tell us a bit more about the Renault Sport Academy?
“Renault has made a commitment of helping the grassroots of motorsport. It’s been clear with things like the Clio Cup, Formula Renault 2.0 even with the World Series as it was. They have put a lot of money in it and they want to continue that investment by finding young talents and nurturing it.
“The Renault Sport Academy was founded as a way of bringing these drivers to the Formula One team. It’s all based on that core investment they have made and are keen to develop. It’s a big commitment from them and I feel really lucky to be a part of it.”
How did you join them?
“After the championship ended in Jerez, there were already some discussions. Obviously at that time it was not sure if the Renault team would actually exist. Then it became clearer and clearer the takeover would happen. As that unfolded, there were talks that there was possibly going to be an Academy and then eventually it came to fruition.”
How do they support you?
“It’s an all-rounded package. Obviously I’m going to be working very closely with Arden at the track. But anything else that Renault can help with, they will attempt to help: fitness, media training, immersion in the Formula One team itself, working in the workshops and getting a feel for how to work in an environment like that.
“If I need any help with anything to do with GP3 that Arden maybe can’t not provide, then Renault will try to help the best as well. It’s a full package. It’s going to be hopefully a longer relationship.”
Are you going to travel to Enstone? Attend a grand prix within the team?
“Obviously, I’ll be at some grand prix weekends thanks to the GP3 Series. Hopefully what I can do is help Renault with the marketing side of it, making sure I am there as an ambassador for the brand. I’ll be at Enstone as much as often just to try and immerse myself in that environment, and also for various things like fitness assessments. It’s going to be quite a close connection, there’s going to be a lot of activities. It’s going to be very busy. I’m looking forward to it.”
