Five drivers make up the RDD 2007 class and will represent Renault in the most prestigious European championships.
For five years, the Renault Driver Development programme has endeavored to discover the new talents of motorsport and to train and prepare them for the demands of their job as professional drivers. After taking Heikki Kovalainen under its wing in 2002, the RDD Program has guided him through the upper echelons of the competition. Today, the Finn is one of the official drivers of the Formula 1 Renault Team, double World Champions.
This season, the RDD program is betting on five young drivers whose talent and ambitions will be displayed in GP2 Series, World Series by Renault, F3 Euroseries and FR 2.0.
Lucas di Grassi – Brazil
Lucas entered the RDD Program in 2004 and showed his potential when he won the very prestigious 52nd Macao Formula 3 Grand Prix in 2005. After experiencing a more delicate season in 2006, Lucas will clearly be one of the contenders for the GP2 Series 2007 title. He will be driving for the double title-holder team ART Grand Prix.
"For the past three years, Renault has helped me become a better and stronger driver. I am extremely lucky to be part of the RDD Program. I gained a lot of experience last season and I will use it to prove my worth in the GP2 title in 2007."
Romain Grosjean – France
Romain is one of the most promising French drivers of his generation. After he won the French FR 2.0 Championship in 2005, Romain entered the RDD program. The following year, in F3 Euroseries, he experienced a more challenging season, but his talent and determination were recognized. Once again this year, he is part of the RDD program and will be fighting for the F3 Euroseries crown with the titleholder team ASM.
"I am extremely proud to be part of the RDD for the second year. I realise how lucky I am: Renault is a big International group with a double World Champions F1 Team and they support me."
Ben Hanley – Great Britain
Fast and combative, Ben Hanley enters his second year within the RDD program. In 2006, for his second season in motorsport, he participated in the World Series by Renault. Finishing in the points on a regular basis, Ben also scored a victory and a podium in Misano, Italy. This season, he will fight for the WSR title with Prema Powerteam.
"Being part of the RDD program is priceless. In a year, I have become a better driver physically and mentally. I will be even stronger this season."
Nelson Panciatici – France
At the age of just 17, Nelson Panciatici became one of the youngest drivers ever to enter the FR 2.0 Championship. Extremely fast and constantly improving, Nelson finished his 2006 season winning his first race in Albi and scoring 6 podiums and 1 pole position. A newcomer to the RDD program this season, Nelson will try and prove his talent in the Eurocup and FR 2.0 French Championship with the leading team SG Formula.
"I am proud to be part of the RDD program. It really boosts my motivation: Renault is a French company that shines in Formula One. I want to work hard and do my best in order to prove that I belong to this demanding program."
Dani Clos – Spain
With 8 victories – including 6 wins in a row – and 3 podiums, Dani Clos became Champion of the Italian FR 2.0 Championship in 2006. During that same season, he also fought for the Eurocup title, winning 3 races and scoring 4 pole positions. The very promising Dani – also the youngest member of this year's RDD class – will compete in the Formula 3 Euroseries Championship with Signature.
"I know that this program gives me a better chance of becoming a professional driver. I know it's a once in a lifetime opportunity and I'll do whatever it takes in order to prove to Renault that they made the right decision in choosing me."
The RDD Programme was launched in 2002 by the Renault F1 Team. For the duration of one season, the selected drivers have to prove their potential on track in their championship, but they also have to prove their athletics ability while being
coached by a physical trainer dedicated to the drivers' performance and improvement. The RDD drivers also have to be able to represent Renault worldwide. The RDD program is known to be highly selective, rigorous and effective.
