Christodoulou set for Formula Renault bow
26th Mar 2007
Britain’s fastest young driver Riki Christodoulou stands on the precipice of his first season as a Formula Renault driver as a member of the high-profile Fortec Motorsport team. The 18 year old from Sutton Coldfield has graduated from the highest level of Karting and now enters single-seater car racing with an extremely promising set-up.
The ten round Formula Renault series visits Britain’s premier motorsport venues as part of the support programme to the British Touring Car Championship. The seven month campaign takes in Brands Hatch, Donington Park, Oulton Park, Snetterton, Croft, Thruxton and Rockingham.
Former British Junior Karting Champion and Formula A European Vice-Champion Christodoulou has been swift in getting down to the pace and different requirements of single-seater machinery.
“This is a big move up for me but I have taken to the car pretty fast and I’m enjoying the new challenge,” he said. “There is a lot to learn but I felt encouraged by my top ten finishes in the winter races and now can’t wait to start the season to see what I can do.”
The high-profile contest sees 17 participants competing in Renault FR2.0 rear engine, rear wheel drive cars capable of 0-100mph in less than five seconds. The sprints involve half hour 30 mile dashes with drivers only separated by guile and skill thanks to the strict technical regulations.
160,000 people watched BTCC events last year leaving little doubt that the ‘FR’ competition is an important and viable career step for ‘Christo’.
“There is no doubt that this is a whole new level and racing with the Touring cars means a lot of exposure,’” Christo revealed. “I am grateful to be linked to a team like Fortec and I feel that there are some exciting times ahead.”
The first meeting of ten in the 2007 series takes place on April 1st at Brands Hatch. A Q+A with Riki will be issued in the next few days.
About Riki Christo
Riki Christodoulou has been racing as long as he can remember. Through karts, Formula Renault and now in the British Formula 3 International series. Riki continues to compete in top flight motorsport as one of the UK’s most promising young racing car drivers.
