Kevin Jörg – Switzerland, 20
Don’t let yourself be fooled by Kevin Jörg’s shyness and Kimi Raikkonen-like answers (that's his favourite driver actually): the Swiss is a lot different behind the wheel.
Two years older than former team-mate Delétraz, he perhaps did not show the same raw speed last year but Jörg’s superb consistency allowed him to finish level on points with his fellow Renault Sport Academy member in Eurocup.
A former Swiss karting champion, Jörg also moved up to Formula BMW Talent Cup before graduating to Formula Renault 2.0 championships. It took him slightly more time to find his feet but once he hit his stride, the Weesen racer emerged as a genuine threat at the front.
Jörg partnered Delétraz at Josef Kaufmann Racing in 2015, with the pair maintaining an amicable relationship all year long despite fighting for the top prize in both Eurocup and NEC.
Jörg eventually secured a podium in every other race weekend he entered in 2015 – 17 (including three wins) in 33 events –, to finish respectively third (on countback) and second in the standings.
Besides getting the nod from the Renault Sport Academy, Jörg was recently confirmed as part of DAMS’ maiden GP3 line-up for 2016.
How did the Renault Sport Academy move happen?
“After a good season in Eurocup and NEC last year, as well as successful testing in the GP3 Series, I got contacted by Renault and was offered the opportunity to join their newly-created Academy.
“My programme will include a bit of everything – media training, mental coaching, fitness. The first fitness test actually takes place next week.”
Given Renault’s close relationship with DAMS, did they place you there in GP3?
“No. I could choose the team myself and I picked DAMS.”
GP3 is quite different from Formula Renault 2.0. How do you approach the upcoming season?
“I think I will have to learn a few things but the testing went great. One of the main things will be the long runs with the Pirelli tyres but there are seven test days and I’ll be able to learn. It’ll be good for the season.
Do you have any specific targets?
“My target is to finish in the top five in the championship.
Is this your own goal or has this been set out for you by Renault?
“A bit of both.”
