Charles Milesi continues to collect poles and podiums

Full with 10 events, the calendar of the 2018 Formula Renault Eurocup however takes a long break of eight weeks between the meetings in Monaco in May and the Red Bull Ring scheduled for 21st-22nd July. An interlude during which Charles Milesi and the R-ace GP team used to partici-pate in the NEC (Northern European Cup) event at the Italian circuit of Monza. With a pole position, a 5th place and the second step of the podium, the young French Formula Renault hopeful has drawn an extremely positive assessment of this Italian trip.

Fast and consistent

On the weekend of 1st July, Charles Milesi arrived at the legendary Monza racetrack, where he was frustrated in April at the second round of the 2018 Eurocup Formula Renault. “Returning to Monza was interesting for Charles, who has been able to demonstrate the significant progress made in just over two months,” said Julien Abelli of Simumotion, who oversees the training of the French driver in motorsport. “He continues to grow in maturity, fighting spirit and therefore effec-tiveness. But the most important thing was to see the extremely fast pace that he managed to keep up. He was very often the fastest on the track despite a high standard of team-mates.“

A pole position with panache

From the first free sessions, Charles Milesi experienced an excellent feeling with his car, succes-sively achieving 3rd and 1st time overall. More than ever he confirmed his pace from the first Qual-ifying. “I managed to find a good window so I would not get stuck in traffic and set clear laps,” commented Charles. “The R-ace team prepared me a perfect car and I gave everything to give my best lap after lap after lap. I was delighted to win pole position for Race 1, especially as I created a significant gap with my pursuers.“

This first race was lively, sometimes a little too much. “I got squeezed into one of the chicanes and I unfortunately lost some places. I finally had to settle for 5th place despite getting the fastest lap in the race.“

A podium to finish

Not having been able to find the same pace as at the first Qualifying, Charles only set the 7th fast-est time in the second. But once again, his combativeness on the track would allow him to return to the podium in Race 2. In fierce heat, Monza brought its share of intensity with many passes in the leading group. “It’s a circuit where you have to stay very focused and manage the slipstreaming phenomenon,” admitted Charles, brilliant 2nd at the finish.

“After his victory at Monaco, it’s still a really positive weekend for Charles and the R-ace GP team,” said Julien Abelli. “Of course, there was less at stake than in Eurocup, so he took more risks in some battles. But the important thing is that he has still managed to increase his pace and he has continued to show performance of the highest level. We must remember that he was still in F4 in 2017. It is very encouraging before two important meetings in the Formula Renault Eurocup, the Red Bull Ring in Austria and Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium for the last two weeks of July.“

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