World Series to introduce 'push to pass'

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The World Series by Renault's flagship category, the World Series Formula Renault 3.5 is set to undergo some in-depth changes for 2007 in order to provide more overtaking opportunities. The car's new «push to pass» feature and an inverted start grid will make the races even more exciting without taking anything away from the competitive side of the category.

Redesigned racing format

Each meeting will consist of a 20-minute qualifying session and two 45-minute races, except for Monaco, where there will only be one race.

The thirty drivers will be split into two qualifying groups. Each group will be positioned on one side of the start grid for race one.

Race one will include a mandatory pit stop during which at least two tyres must be changed.

The start grid for race 2 will be determined on the basis of the finishing order in race 1. The first ten drivers will start in reverse order (the tenth placed driver will start from pole and the winner will start from tenth position) and the other drivers will start in their finishing places from race 1.

The points system remains unchanged with 15, 12, 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 points going to the first ten and two points available for the fastest race lap. In order to encourage performance throughout the weekend, points will also be awarded during qualifying: 3, 2 and 1 points for the top three in each group.

Changes to the Formula Renault 3.5 including the «push to pass» system

The Formula Renault 3.5 will be equipped with the «push to pass» system, which will give drivers a boost to their car's power for 60 seconds per race.

Other changes will be made to the shock absorbers, the rear anti-roll bar, the gearbox and the steering system.

750,000 euros of prize money and a Renault F1 test for the champion

750,000 euros of prize money will be awarded to teams half-way through the year and at the end of the 2007 season.

And just as Robert Kubica did last year, the champion will get the opportunity to test with the Renault F1 Team.

Nine meetings on the 2007 race calendar

The World Series Formula Renault 3.5 will once again feature nine meetings in 2007. The seven World Series by Renault meetings will take in Germany, Belgium, France, Turkey, the UK, Portugal and Spain on their travels. In addition to these, there will be the now-traditional Monaco (May 24-26) meeting and one other meeting to be confirmed.

Source: Renault Motorsport