Good news for DAMS a week after it sent in its entry as its name appears on the list of the 13 teams published by Renault Sport, which have been accepted for the 2012 Formula Renault 3.5 Series. The squad from Ruaudin will be back with two cars to take on top-quality rivals in this closely-contested championship.
This increasingly successful series will undergo another evolution next year as a new car will appear that has been completely revised both internally and externally. The 2012 FR3.5 was presented at Silverstone in August, and it will be powered by a brand-new 3.4-litre V8 engine developed by Zytek, which replaces the V6 used up till now. It will put out 530 bhp (50 more than the current version) for a dry weight of 610 kgs (15 less than the present car). It will incorporate technical improvements inspired by F1 in electronics, and above all it will have a DRS (Drag Reduction System). It will be equipped with a new 6-speed sequential gearbox and pneumatic clutch, the latest carbon brakes and specially developed Michelin tyres. The front and rear wings will also be very different from those on the 2011 car.
The 2012 single-seaters are currently being built and will be delivered in January 2012. With this in mind, the tests for which DAMS has teamed up with the Epic Racing outfit will be of capital importance for the French team and for the selection of its drivers.
DAMS' return to the Formula Renault 3.5 Series will help the French team prepare and train its drivers for the top formula GP2, and even for Formula 1. This is very important for the squad's training strategy, and a strong statement to compensate for giving the GP3 step a miss.
Jean-Paul Driot, DAMS owner: "We're very honoured and proud to have been chosen by Renault Sport to take part in the next Formula Renault 3.5 Series Championship in the context of the World Series by Renault. With a brand-new car and top-level teams the competition will be very stiff in 2012. But taking up challenges is part of DAMS' DNA, and we hope to be among the best as well as allowing talented youngsters to show their mettle!"
