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Oliver Rowland's prize F1 test for FR3.5 title in doubt

Recently-crowned Formula Renault 3.5 champion Oliver Rowland must wait to find out if he will receive the traditional prize of a Formula 1 test for winning the title

The Renault-backed series has always offered a test with one of its associated Formula 1 teams to the FR3.5 champion - in recent years with Red Bull.

However, the uncertainty surrounding Renault's future in Formula 1, and the collapse of its relationship with Red Bull, appears to have left the opportunity of a test for 2015 FR3.5 champion Rowland in doubt.

Renault's association with the FR3.5 series will stop at the end of 2015, with co-promoter RPM Racing taking full control of the championship.

"Renault has not confirmed anything regarding the Formula 1 test," said Derek Walters, co-ordinator from Rowland's backer the Racing Steps Foundation after the Briton sealed the title at Le Mans on Sunday.

"A lot of things need to be shaken out - all we can do is look into it, try to understand if there are opportunities and try to take advantage of them."

Walters added "it could be four to six weeks before things become clearer" regarding Rowland's future, with a move to GP2 a possibility.

Rowland said: "We have spoken a little bit about some different options, but there's nothing decided for next year.

"There are a couple of different things in Formula 1 and GP2, we just have to see what works best and I trust the RSF and the people around me to make the right decision.

"I have to say a massive thanks to Fortec and Racing Steps for everything they have done for me.

"[BRDC president] Derek Warwick has also helped in all sorts of ways and has helped me get in the right frame of mind."

Walters praised Rowland for the way he has knuckled down off track to maintain the support of RSF.

"I don't think the talent has ever been in doubt," he said.

"But it had to be refined, which has been a process that has taken place over the last four or five years.

"Oliver has reaped the rewards of his efforts this year, and we can justly be proud within the RSF of what we have achieved.

"I just hope we can make the final step happen.

"Many people have said to me, 'if you can only get Oliver into Formula 1 he could be the next Lewis Hamilton'.

"That's what I and a lot of us believe."

Rowland received a demo few laps at the wheel of a 2012 Red Bull RB8 at the Silverstone World Series by Renault, as a prize for being the mid-season championship leader in FR3.5.

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