Tatuus iMagazine

8 A marriage to be done Gianfranco De Bellis explains what happens behind the scenes of the merging between Eurocup Renault and Regional European, which created the new‐for‐2021 Formula Regional European by Alpine. It was a logical choice, pursued by the FIA, Renault and ACI Sport. In addition, the return of the W Series which will race alongside F1 and will be a pride point for Tatuus, Autotecnica and Breda Interview/Gianfranco De Bellis by Massimo Costa T he dualism between Formula Eurocup Renault and the Formula Regional European Championship will not exist anymore in 2021. With a decision that put everybody on the same page, the FIA, Renault and Aci Sport found an agreement which will lead to the birth of the Formula Regional European by Alpine championship. The engine will be provided by the French manufacturer, while the tyres will be supplied by Pirelli instead of Hankook. The unification is expected to be a turning point, providing a clearer path for the drivers exiting the Formula 4 Championships. “Now there are no more doubts, everything is clearer – says De Bellis – Creating a single European championship means that young drivers will no longer ask themselves which championship is best, making choices that were perhaps dictated by the Super license points issued by the FIA or by the tracks on the calendar. Now there is only one path forward and this is the best possible solution, the one that everyone was hoping for”. How do you think the 2021 Formula Regional European by Alpine season will unfold? “There will be ten double races, a well‐tested format in the Renault series. There will be high‐profile tracks, the ones used by F1, F2 and F3. In addition, we will have the preseason collective test days. I also find it very fitting that Renault decided to use the Alpine brand. The French manufacturer has always been an important benchmark in motorsport and became decisive in this case too, with President De Meo making a massive contribution to achieving this unification. It was a very strong signal to give during such a difficult moment due to the pandemic”.