Paul Ricard article by TTE
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“Formula Renault Cup: Klymenko plays the Ukrainian anthem
Driving in single-seaters on the Paul Ricard circuit is a dream come true… The Formula Renault Cup drivers were able to make this dream come true this weekend in the usual format of two qualifying and two races. On this occasion we found our usual drivers, but also a local from the stage in the person of Maxence Benech.
At the time of the first qualifying sessions, the young rookies were once again at the forefront. It was Ivan Klymenko who was ahead of Jonathan Correrella in the final laps, with Danny Buntschu and Théo Vaucher on their heels. The four Lamo pilots then stand in the same second. They are followed by the latest winner, Corentin Guth, and Alexandra Hervé who seems to be in good shape on this circuit.
In Race 1, Guth made a very good start which could have allowed him to fight for the podium, but retired after four laps after going off the track. Conversely, Alexandra Hervé loses places but climbs back up to regain her starting position. In front of her, it was Maxence Benech who took advantage and finished in fifth place. Despite fierce battles, especially between Klymenko and Correrella, the top 4 is the same at the finish as at the start. The young Ukrainian driver therefore waved the flag and sounded the anthem of his country during an emotional podium ceremony.
During qualifying on Sunday, the 3 leading drivers are once again separated by just over half a second. Klymenko presses his superiority on this layout, but Buntschu surpasses Correrella this time. Behind them, Alexandra Hervé confirms her progress by achieving her best qualifying to date: she will start fourth on the grid, followed by Maxence Benech and Théo Vaucher.
Finally, in Race 2, Ivan Klymenko concluded a perfect weekend by not letting victory escape him. Danny Buntschu, who was also hoping to be able to fight for the top step of the podium, ended up being busier defending on his teammate Jonathan Correrella. At the end of this duel, it was the latter who took the lead in the last corners to take second place ahead of the Swiss driver.
As for the gentlemen, it was Serge Coperchini who had the best weekend with a pole position and a victory. Thierry Malhomme and Alain Bucher also won a qualifying and a race respectively.
Klymenko therefore takes the lead in the championship by being the first driver to win several races this season. There is no doubt that the other competitors will be eager to try to dislodge him from the top of the classification at the next event in Dijon“
