Daniël De Jong made a good impression during the latest round of the Formula Renault 3.5 Series in Monaco at the weekend, 28th/29th May - the event signifying a landmark moment in the Dutch racer's career as he competed at an FIA Formula One World Championship event for the first time.Just four race meetings into his maiden season of action in FR 3.5, the 18-year-old from Westmaas has been making fantastic progress. On course for a tremendous top 15 finish on his debut around the streets of Monte-Carlo, the Comtec Racing driver had to settle for 19th place in the end after unfortunately out-braking himself at St Devote during the closing stages of the 45-minute race.Daniël's exploits at the weekend were all the more impressive considering the event fell right in the midst of some essential school exams. Following pre-event practice on Thursday, he had to board a flight back to The Netherlands for an exam on Friday before returning to Monaco for qualifying on Saturday morning!Although shouldering maximum pressure, the Karpack, Boix and De Jong ECOCUPS-supported driver remained superbly well composed throughout the weekend and loved every minute of his first ever Monaco race experience."It's an amazing place", said Daniël, "I've always wanted to race in Monaco, it was a big moment for me to be there on an F1 weekend. It was a really tough event for me, especially as I had to fly home for my exam on Friday, but I think we did a good job and improved more and more. It was a shame I made a small mistake near the end at turn one but I'm happy, it was an amazing experience."Daniël got away cleanly at the start but at mid-distance a cautionary period was required after two cars tangled at Loews Hairpin - unfortunately, the Safety Car picked-up the Comtec drivers. After a delay they were finally permitted to pass, to enable them to try and catch the end of the lead train before racing resumed, but the lost time was significant.Even so, Daniël pushed on and instantly gained positions when several cars came together on the first lap of the re-start. Running nicely and edging higher up the order towards the top 15, he then out-braked himself into the first corner with little more than 10 minutes remaining.The Dutchman did manage to rejoin the race, albeit a long way down, and after another Safety Car period - this time to recover the stricken car of Alexander Rossi from the barriers at Massenet - he eventually finished in 19th position.With school exams still ongoing, Daniël's focus returns to his studies during the three-week break ahead of the next event on the Formula Renault 3.5 Series calendar, a visit to the Nurburgring in Germany on 18th/19th June. Following this past weekend's place on the F1 support package, FR 3.5 will return to its regular slot as the headline attraction on the World Series by Renault tour.