This weekend saw the Formula Renault 3.5 single seater launch into anintensive development programme in its preparation for the 30 drivers set tocompete in the 2005 World Series by Renault championship. JonathanCochet, the driver in charge of taking the car through its paces throughoutthis development phase, completed 76 laps of the Paul Ricard HTTT circuitat Le Castellet, without any major incident.

On Saturday November 27, one week after the shakedown at the Vairano circuitin Italy, the FR 3.5 launched into an intensive development programme which is tocontinue throughout the winter.

The first day was chiefly devoted to fine-tuning car / driver settings, withJonathan Cochet trying out multiple combinations out on track to get optimumdriving comfort. After the first few laps, Jonathan shared his first impressionswith us: “This car's got great pedigree. It looks good and its aero efficiency isgoing to be a great asset. I soon got the feel of things, once behind the wheel.The new engine is very promising and the gearbox feels slick and easy. TheCarbone brakes are quite something. I feel like I'm in a small F1. As far as thechassis is concerned, Dallara have delivered an effective package. So thetesting program we have in store should be very exciting”.

On Sunday, Development Manager Jérôme Mortal's team reviewed a broad spectrumof settings, in order to locate the set-up ranges to propose to the teams for the futurechampionship. “With over 70 laps notched up this weekend, we're happy with the initialdata we've gathered and we're reassured as to how the programme will move forward”.