Benetton begins Renault driver development tests

On October 29 and 30, at the Estoril circuit in Portugal, the Renault Driver Development (RDD) programme will conduct its first evaluation of young driver talent, with six potential stars of the future being assessed in Formula Renault and Formula 3 cars.

The RDD has been conceived as an integral part of Renault's return to Formula One, and aims to nurture high-potential young drivers within a tailor-made development programme. Drawing on Renault's strong global presence at the different levels of motor racing, the Programme will provide the chosen drivers with comprehensive training in the key skills of modern motor racing, with the target of developing them into future contenders at the highest levels of motorsport.

Six young drivers, from five different countries, have been selected by RDD Manager Bruno Michel for the two-day evaluation at Estoril. Fabio Carbone (Brazil), Robert Kubica (Poland) and Eric Salignon (France) will drive Formula 3 cars, while Simone Iacone (Italy), Leonardo Orecchioni (Italy) and Carlo van Dam (Netherlands) will test in Formula Renault single-seaters. Their performances will be monitored and judged by a jury including former Formula 1 driver Jacques Laffite.

-Benetton-