Photo: DPPI / Renault Sport
Alex Quinn is looking to match the podium finish from his Formula Renault Eurocup debut, and single-seater return, at the Hungaroring this weekend.
The 19-year-old Briton raced in British Formula 4 for two seasons, winning the 2016 Rookie Cup title, before switching to British GT4 last year.
Quinn replaced Sebastian Fernandez in Arden’s line-up at the Nurburgring, and will substitute for the FIA Formula 3 Championship-focused driver at the Hungaroring and Barcelona.
“Free practice went well [at the Nurburgring] but we were never right at the front,” Quinn told Formula Scout.
“We kind of didn’t get the good lap in in practice, and when I finished the first qualifying in fourth I was quite surprised. From there, it just got better and better.
“After Nurburgring, I can’t really aim for anything less than a podium. I didn’t have any expectations going into Nurburgring, and after a podium and a fourth it’s raised expectations massively.
“But I haven’t got any pressure at all. I’m just here to do my best and show people what I can do.”
Arden’s decision to sign Quinn as Fernandez’s substitute came from an existing working relationship.
“I’ve been coaching for Arden in the F4 all year, and I’m very closely linked with them since I drove for them in F4. A really good relationship, and Fernandez not doing [Eurocup] left me in a good spot to take his drive.
“It’s a really really nice car to drive, it’s physically really challenging. Jumping straight in it without testing, I’d not been able to build up the muscles this car needs.”
After taking a win in its debut season with Dan Ticktum, Arden has been an inconsistent scorer in the Eurocup until this summer. Fernandez finished third despite a stall at Spa-Francorchamps, and both Patrik Pasma and Quinn made the podium at the Nurburgring.
“Arden’s a really good team, and they’ve always been up the front. The [Eurocup] results haven’t really shown how good they are. It’s only recently that it’s started coming together.”
Quinn qualified and finished fourth for his first race, then converted a front row start into a second place finish in race two.
The Eurocup’s Blancpain GT Series support slot has enabled Quinn to meet GT teams while filling in for Fernandez.
“No plans at all [post-Barcelona], which is why I want to do as best as I can. Hopefully the results speak for themselves and then things will fall into place to get a seat for 2020.
“I’m aiming for GTs because that’s the kind of career path I want to take. With single-seaters, I really enjoy driving them – but in terms of a career it’s very difficult to make F1. Whereas if I can provide good links with GT teams, it’s not easier, but a lot more likely to happen.