Scorpio joins Formula Renault revolution

Formula Renault UK teams Apotex Scorpio Motorsport and Mark Burdett Motorsport have both confirmed fresh orders for the New Formula Renault 2.0 race car as interest continues to grow in the one-make single-seater series.

Apotex Scorpio Motorsport, who led Kieren Clark (Royston) to victory in last year’s Protyre Formula Renault BARC Championship, has placed an order for one car with plans for a second. After a successful campaign in Formula Renault BARC last year, 22-year-old Joe Crook (Hailsham, East Sussex) is confirmed as the squad’s first driver with the second seat to be announced in the coming weeks.

Jon Pettit, Team Manager at Scorpio Motorsport, said: “It was always our plan to run a two-car assault this year in both Formula Renault UK and Formula Renault BARC. We’re delighted to have Joe onboard for this year and although we have yet to confirm our second driver, Kieren Clark is certainly a possibility.”

Meanwhile, Mark Burdett Motorsport have ordered their second car after confirming Brazilian Fabio Gamberini will drive for them in 2010.

Team Manager Mark Burdett said: “From day one we intended to run two cars in the series and we’re hoping to confirm our second driver very soon. The team has done four days of testing now at Rockingham, Brands Hatch and Snetterton and all have gone really well. Fabio is really coming along under the watchful eye of driver coach Robbie Kerr who is also helping us set up the car.” 

This week also saw Fortec Motorsport, CRS Racing, ATECH GP and Manor Competition each take delivery of their second new car.

Fortec Motorsport’s Dave Moore commented: “We’re pleased to get our hands on the second car and to get our latest signing Alex Lynn, who raced with us in the Winter Series, out on track. Oli Webb has already put the car through its paces during a session at Rockingham which went really well and we were able to get good runs on both wet and dry tyres.” 

Championship Promoter Simon North added: “This 2010 season is certainly shaping up to be an exciting one with a new car, new drivers and new teams all gracing the Formula Renault UK paddock. In the coming weeks we hope to be able to make an announcement linking our drivers to the very top of the sport.”

The opening rounds of the 2010 Michelin Formula Renault UK Championship take place at Hampshire’s Thruxton circuit on 3rd/4th April.