Stoneman steps close to a life long dream at Le Mans

#2 Dean Stoneman (GBR – DAMS Dallara-Renault)

Formula Renault 3.5 Championship position: 5th – 106 points – after 13 of 17 races

The Formula Renault 3.5 Championship returns to Le Mans after a break since 2009. It is the first time for Dean Stoneman and a special experience as the DAMS headquarters is just off the famous Mulsanne straight.

“It’s been a life long dream of mine to do the 24 hour race,” explained the 25-year-old Briton who had taken the overnight ferry and driven down to Le Mans on Wednesday morning. “I hope that happens soon but for the moment we are just thinking of the Renault 3.5.”

Bugatti

Of course the Bugatti circuit used for all but the 24 hour race is very different. “We’ve run it in the sim, and I think it’s going to be really good,” enthused the Red Bull Junior. “I got up to speed fairly quickly, it’s got a nice flowing rhythm and I really enjoyed it. The real thing can be different and we’ll find out on Friday morning.”

“It’s a bit like the Nürburgring, medium and low speed corners. It doesn’t have the high speed runs of a track like Spa so there is not so much hard braking, more rolling in. No one has been here for years so the car set up will be a question for everyone and we’ll make sure we get it sorted out quickly.”

Le Mans weekend schedule – all times CET

Friday September 25th
10:00 – 10:50 Collective Test 1
14:40 – 15:30 Collective Test 2

Saturday September 26th
09:45 – 10:15 Qualifying 1
13:30 – 14:13 Race 1 (40 minutes + 1 lap)

Sunday September 27th
09:00 – 09:30 Qualifying 2
13:30 – 14:13 Race 2 (40 minutes + 1 lap)