Sam Bird and Nick Yelloly hoping home soil boosts Formula Renault 3.5 title hopes

ISR driver Bird and Comtec's Yelloly will be aiming to reel in Dutchman Robin Frijns who sits at the top of the driver's standings with 111 points.

Bird is currently the Fortec driver's closest challenger with 101 points but the Mercedes F1 test driver acknowledges there are many different contenders for the title in such a competitive series.

And the 25-year-old is hoping that the backing of the British support can power him to glory this weekend.

"Robin is a good driver with a good car underneath him but I don't really think about it in terms of reeling anyone in," said Bird.

"There are a few other guys that could yet become a factor in the second half of the season, so it would be a mistake to focus on any one guy.

"I just concentrate on my own car and my own performance in the knowledge that if I perform to my ability and I've got the car underneath me, I'll be right up there come the end of the season.

"I really do relish racing around Silverstone. Firstly, it's quite simply one of the greatest race tracks in the world.

"Secondly, to compete in front of your home crowd is very special indeed and we've all seen plenty of evidence of that this summer!"

For Yelloly, this weekend marks his one-year anniversary in the category after making his debut at the same circuit for Pons Racing.

Since then, the 21-year-old has established himself as one of the top names in the series becoming this year's first double winner. He lies fifth in the standings with 76 points.

After enduring a difficult weekend in Moscow last time out, Yelloly envisages Silverstone as the perfect place to get his championship back on track.

He said: "Without doubt there's every chance we can win the championship; I have a really strong team behind me and can't wait to get going this weekend.

"Silverstone for me is still one of the best circuits in the world and racing at home is always such a good feeling; I only live 45 minutes away so there's even an opportunity for me to sleep in my own bed!"