A podium to start his season in Formula RenaultWith confidence after excellent off-season tests with the Strakka team, Max Defourny had an excellent introduction to Formula Renault 2.0. Held on April 11th-12th at the Monza circuit, the first round of the Northern European Cup (NEC) allowed him to take his first podium in Race 1, before moving up in a remarkable recovery in Race 2. Now he is already catapulted into third position in the Championship standings.The Monza racetrack is one of the monuments of world motorsport that every driver has to conquer. With its special curves and chicanes, and especially the high speeds reached in the fast parts, it puts the driver under mental strain. At the wheel of his car weighing barely more than 500kg (a Tatuus chassis fitted with a Renault 2-litre engine developing 210hp), Max Defourny didn't fail in his debut in his new class.5/10 from second placeThe 16-year-old Belgian was among the fastest in free practice despite his rookie status. Although he expected better from the two qualifying sessions (7th and 10th), Max completed two stunning attacking races. "In Race 1 I had a good feeling from my car, which suits me better compared to the one I used last year in the NEC Junior series. I pushed to the maximum, and reached third place which made me very happy, especially as I put pressure on the driver who finished in front of me, the experienced Ignazio D'Agosto," said Max.Best RookieWith this third position, Max Defourny clinched the trophy for Best Rookie (beginner driver in the category). The next day in Race 2, Max had to keep a cool head in a field where spirits sometimes tended to be heated! "There was a clash in front of me at first, I had to go onto the grass to avoid it, which made me drop to 17th." After superb overtaking, he gradually moved back up the order to cross the finish line in 8th position, or third Rookie."Overall, I am satisfied with this first meeting. In the Championship, I am already the top Rookie in the standings and 3rd in the provisional overall by points from Louis Deletraz, which means 2nd place knowing that the leader will not participate in the entire NEC," said the Belgian. With successively 3rd and 5th fastest times in the race, Max Defourny has clearly demonstrated its speed in a formula that has historically produced most of the major motorsport champions. With the Strakka team, he is ready to face new challenges very quickly...