NEWS // TALENTED FINN MAKES CAR RACING DEBUT

This weekend will see the highly talented Finnish karting superstar and good friend of CTD, Aaro Vaino, make his car racing debut. The 16 year old from Espoo, Finland who last season collected the FIA European SKF karting title will line up on the grid at the Motorland Aragon circuit for the first round of this season's Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup.

Vainio is looking to follow in the footsteps of fellow countrymen such as Kimi Raikonen and Mika Hakkinen but will face a huge new challenge in adapting to the cut and thrust of the Eurocup series having moved straight up from from Karts, much like Raikkonen who made his car racing debut in the British Formula Renault series. In the most recent tests however, Aaro has shown good pace notably setting the fourth fastest time ahead of many more experienced rivals... [read more]

The young Finn who also placed second at last years FIA World Karting Championship in Macau commented:
"The team is highly professional, winning the past Euro Cup. The French have their own ways of doing work, but the integration has gone well. For the initial period, I have set a target to finish in the top five which is a hard target, but I believe it to be a realistic one."

Asked about pressure and expectations that follow such a prestigious talent Aaro explained "Expectations are high for me, and maybe even the team, but I do not feel pressure to be tough, however. All around there is the understanding of me pursuing my first year in formulas, and hopefully I will have time to learn and develop."

The opening round of the series also marks the debut of Renault's all new single seater after a long research and development phase dating back to 2008.

Twenty three drivers are registered for the series including title favourite Daniel Mancinelli who has set the pace during winter testing.

Editorial: Neil Tozer
Photos: Renault Sport/AaroVainio