EU Megane: Barcelona preview

Van Lagen heading for the title

Although there are still four drivers in with a chance of winning the Eurocup Megane Trophy, Jaap Van Lagen (Equipe Verschuur) is the only one who can afford to play it safe. Matthieu Lahaye (Tech 1 Racing), Jean-Philippe Dayraut (Epsilon Euskadi) and Cesar Campanico (Racing for Belgium) have little choice: they will have to come out all guns blazing if they are to catch the Dutchman.

Of all the drivers in the World Series by Renault, Jaap Van Lagen is probably the most faithful to the competition. Not only has he raced in the first twelve races of the Eurocup Megane Trophy, finishing in the points on each occasion; he has also contested five World Series Formula Renault 3.5 races!

Since the beginning of August, however, Jaap has concentrated exclusively on his pursuit of the Megane Trophy title and, though he hasn't won a race since Misano, he has never finished outside the top four either! This unerring consistency means he goes into the last meeting of the season twenty points clear of Matthieu Lahaye. With a maximum of 34 points on offer over the weekend, the Eurocup's fate could well be sealed by the end of Saturday's race

The Verschuur driver's challengers aren't ready to throw in the towel just yet, however. Winning the title may be a big ask, but the runner-up spot is still very much up for grabs! Having missed part of the Le Mans meeting, Matthieu Lahaye is now just three points ahead of Jean-Philippe Dayraut, who returned to winning ways in France. Cesar Campanico, eight points behind Dayraut in fourth, also has a chance of finishing in the top three in the overall standings.

Bruce Lorgere-Roux (Tech 1 Racing), who has regularly been a thorn in the side of the leaders, will be keen to claim his first victory in a touring car this weekend. The Frenchman will also be looking to hold onto his second place in the Junior standings (Lahaye has already been crowned champion) and help Tech 1 win the Team title.

Portuguese driver Pedro Petiz (Iris Racing), who won a race at Le Mans, will be aiming to snatch second spot from Lorgere-Roux.

Ralph Meichtry (Race Performance) and Luigi Ferrara (Oregon Team), who have both enjoyed podium success already this season, will be looking to repeat the feat in the final meeting. But Frederic Gabillon (Team Lompech Sport), Renaud Kuppens (Thierry Boutsen Racing), James Kirkpatrick (Epsilon Euskadi), Bernard Ten Brinke (Equipe Verschuur), Steve Abold (Roma Team Baumgartner) and Jonathan Hirschi (Hirschi Racing Team) will no doubt have similar ambitions.

There are three Spanish drivers competing in the Eurocup Megane Trophy: gentlemen-drivers Victor F. Roca, Luis Llobet (Saturn Motorsport) and Rafael Unzurrunzaga (Blue Jumeirah Team) will be looking to enjoy their day and put on a good show for their home crowd!

-credit: wsbyrenault.com