Photo: Renault Sport
The Dutch youngster gets his chance as a reward for his impressive start in the 2012 Formula Renault 3.5 Series…
Robin Frijns drove a Formula 1 car for the first time at the weekend, at the World Series by Renault event at the brand new Moscow Raceway.
The 20-year-old Dutchman won the opportunity for jointly leading the Formula Renault 3.5 standings after the previous round at the Nurburgring. Sam Bird was leading on countback, but was ineligible for the prize because he’s contracted to the Mercedes team.
Frijns took to the wheel of a Red Bull RB6, the car which won the 2010 F1 title and which is being used this year at World Series by Renault events for demonstration runs thanks to the team’s relationship with engine supplier Renault.
After winning the Formula BMW Europe and Eurocup Formula Renault titles in 2010 and 2011 respectively, Frijns has shone since making the large step up to FR3.5. He won at the opening weekend of the season at Aragon, claimed further podiums at Spa and the Nurburgring and then won again last Saturday at Moscow, shortly after driving the Red Bull. He now has a ten point lead in the points.
Frijns has yet to be signed up by an F1 team – but that will surely come soon.