Oliver Rowland wants to seal Formula Renault 3.5 title with wins
Formula Renault 3.5 champion-elect Oliver Rowland wants to seal the 2015 title with victories at Le Mans this weekend, despite holding an ample points cushion
The dominant force in this year's series, Rowland can secure the crown with a round to spare thanks to form that has included six victories and a run of eight consecutive podiums.
The Fortec racer is 50 points ahead of nearest adversary Matthieu Vaxiviere in the drivers' standings, and only has to maintain that advantage over the course of this weekend's two races to become the first British FR3.5 champion.
"I know if we maintain the advantage I should be champion, but I really want to win both races," said Rowland, who was fastest by seven tenths in the opening free practice session on Friday.
"It would be my preference to get it done this weekend.
"I'm feeling quite chilled. I did the quickest lap on fresh tyres but they weren't brand new."
Four of the 10 previous FR3.5 champions have progressed to Formula 1 race seats, along with many of the series' frontrunners, but Rowland's 2016 plans are still being formulated.
The Racing Steps Foundation-backed Briton performed well in two GP2 appearances during the summer, qualifying on the front row at Spa, but said the DTM was also on his radar.
"There has been interest from GP2 teams, and there possibly could be some developments in DTM, but I really don't know anything for certain," said Rowland.
"[Racing Steps'] Derek Walters is here tomorrow so, who knows, perhaps there could be some more news then."
Follow what could be the 2015 FR3.5 title decider as it happens with AUTOSPORT Race Centre Live from 12.30pm UK time on Sunday
LEADING FR3.5 STANDINGS
| Pos | Driver | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oliver Rowland | 235 |
| 2 | Matthieu Vaxiviere | 185 |
| 3 | Nyck de Vries | 116 |
| 4 | Jazeman Jaafar | 106 |
| 5 | Dean Stoneman | 106 |
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