The 2015 season has just started for the drivers in the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup, who participated in the first private test of the season in France, on the Bugatti circuit at Le Mans. Immediately, Max Defourny (age 16) rose to the top of the hierarchy, proving the fastest on the first day with Strakka team. The great hope of Belgian motorsport, the rookie in the category has confirmed his talent and speed of adaptation once again.
After a brilliant career in karting, Max Defourny was launched into the deep end in cars after just one year. Simultaneously racing in the French F4 Championship and NEC Formula Junior 1.6, he has continued to be a revelation, taking several podiums during the 2014 season. Motivated by a promising test in Formula Renault at the end of the year, he chose to race in this category in 2015, and on several fronts: giving priority to the NEC Championship (Northern European Cup), with a few appearances in the FR 2.0 Eurocup as part of the very popular World Series by Renault, and and in the ALPS series.
“With 210 horsepower, and a chassis that produces a lot of grip and downforce, Formula Renault is a big change from the cars I drove last year. As was the case when trying it a few months ago, I felt very comfortable when driving. On the first day, we had changing weather conditions sometimes with a dry track, sometimes humid. But in both cases, we did an excellent job on the set-up,” commented Max Defourny.
Lap record for the category
At midday, Max exploited the grip of the famous Le Mans circuit perfectly and set the fastest lap with 1’34 “101. The Belgian wiped out the record formerly held by Jean-Eric Vergne. This performance Max Defourny took place against many more experienced drivers. “It was a really positive day,” he rejoiced. “Learning about the team and the car was faster than I expected and achieving such times obviously made me very happy. This proves that we are working in the right direction. “
At the dawn of a promising season
The next day, the development work continued with great efficiency. Of the 25 cars on the track, Max Defourny’s was again at the front. The Belgian finished the day in 4th place, with the status of top rookie.
Most major F1 champions went through Formula Renault, which is more than ever a category that is both formative and reveals the talent of a driver. Max is aware of this and feels ready to face this new challenge with the determination that characterises him. After this very encouraging start, the objective is to confirm his potential in the next few tests. He could well be the surprise of 2015…
Max Defourny and Strakka – it’s official
A few days after the tests at Le Mans, Max Defourny confirmed that he would race with the Strakka team in 2015. “It is engaged in several motorsport disciplines and has a lot of experience. While Formula Renault is a new experience, I was impressed with their skills, determination and commitment. Strakka is very ambitious, and like me, winning is clearly their objective. At Le Mans, the rapport was excellent and we made remarkable progress. Whenever the balance of the car was not perfect, the work was always in the right direction and the set-up was always improved, which enabled me to be among the fastest drivers in these tests. I am very motivated by the idea of racing in NEC, Eurocup and ALPS together.“
