Renault UK has announced that a crowd of over 90,000 visited the 2006 World Series by Renault meeting at Donington Park. The two-day event, part of a nine-leg European tour showcasing Renault’s single-seater and saloon car Championships, drew 34,512 people on Saturday, 9th September and a further 56,734 on Sunday, 10th September for a total of 91,246.
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The crowd equalled Donington Park’s previous record set at the British MotoGP in 2004.
Renault said that many of the spectators who came to the Derbyshire circuit were attending a motorsport event for the first time and the highlight for many was the appearance of Renault F1 Team’s double-winning R25, in which Fernando Alonso won the Drivers’ title and Renault won the Constructors’, with French racer Jonathan Cochet at the wheel.
Also on track were races for Formula Renault 3.5, Eurocup Mégane Trophy and Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, which make up the World Series by Renault programme. Supporting them were the Formula Renault UK with Michelin Championship and the crowd-pleasing ELF Renault Clio Cup, which produced two enthralling races each.
In addition, fans were given plenty to enjoy off-track thanks to a packed infield at the 2.5-mile circuit. Centred around the Renault Village were Formula One simulators, a Renault exhibition stand, funfair, merchandising store and a collectors’ area showcasing more than 230 historic and sporting Renaults, including a 1899 Renault Type A. These cars formed parades during the weekend, coinciding with a pitlane walkabout that gave fans a chance to see the racing cars up close.
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By GlobalDataDemonstrations were held by Renault’s specialist all-makes fast-fit service Renault Minute, including a pit-stop style safety and maintenance check. The stand also gave away a satellite navigation system and a ride in the New Clio Cup race car to two lucky competition winners.
The action wasn’t limited to ground level, with the F1 demonstrations being accompanied by an aerobatic display from Tiger Airways, using Renault-powered Stampe biplanes. Built for the French Armée de l’Air, the planes executed a series of stunts.
Commenting on the weekend,Renault UK’s Managing Director Philippe Talou-Derible said: “I don’t know exactly how many first time race-goers and how many die-hard fanatics we had, but my guess is that a lot of people came for the first time this weekend. They took the opportunity to see some great racing and experience what the event is all about and they won’t have been disappointed by what they found.
“They maybe didn’t know what to expect but they have seen a lot of good racing and been able to get up close to everything. Apart from the pitlane, fans can watch from anywhere on the track and literally touch the cars and get a feel for what motorsport is about, which is something you can’t do at a Grand Prix.
“The atmosphere at the circuit, particularly on Sunday, was outstanding as people discovered motor racing. All the infield attractions, such as the funfair, were free of charge and it was great to see so many people getting into the spirit by wearing Renault’s Formula 1 colours.
“A weekend like this gives great encouragement to Renault UK because through a combination of hard work and good weather, we have been able to provide an excellent weekend for more than 90,000 people, which is a joint record for the circuit. Donington Park is a great venue, we have a strong relationship with the circuit management and I see no reason why the event can’t grow even bigger here next year.”
