Renault 'disappointed' with Zhou and Lundgaard F2 campaigns

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Renault juniors Guanyu Zhou and Christian Lundgaard didn't exactly receive a ringing endorsement from their benefactor for their results in this year's FIA Formula 2 Championship.

As Renault's leading chargers who aspire to a promotion to F1 in the future, Zhou and Lundgaard finished sixth and seventh in the F2 series which was won by Mick Schumacher.

Zhou won the sprint race in Sochi and secured five podium finishes during his second year in the junior championship while Lundgaard's maiden season saw the Swede clinch two sprint race wins - at Spielberg and at the Mugello.

©Renault

Renault Sport Academy director Mia Sharizman called the results as he saw them, but praised on the other hand 19-year-old Oscar Piastri for winning the FIA Formula 3 Championship title.

"Oscar winning the FIA Formula 3 was an unbelievable achievement and we are very proud of that," said Sharizman.

"Nevertheless, we hoped for more from Zhou and Christian in FIA Formula 2 and we are somewhat disappointed with the outcome of finishing sixth and seventh in the Championship despite some strong performances resulting in wins and podiums."

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The Renault Academy boss insisted however that all three drivers had benefitted from the F1 test conducted in Bahrain at the end of October. Zhou was also handed an outing alongside Fernando Alonso at the Abu Dhabi young driver test that took place last week at Yas Marina.

"Zhou and Christian have benefitted this year immensely in their on-going F1 preparation," he said. "This year they have been joined by Oscar who had his first experience with F1 machinery.

"It was a reward for winning the FIA F3 Championship and it was richly deserved. He performed well and I am confident there will be more opportunities for Oscar in the future."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.