What Is 2011 World Series by Renault

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2011 World Series by Renault was a multi-category motorsport championship held across Europe, featuring Formula Renault 3.5, Formula Renault 2.0, and Auto GP races. It ran from April to October 2011, with Robert Wickens winning the Formula Renault 3.5 title.

Key Facts

The 2011 season ran from April 2 to October 2, 2011, across 8 European circuits
Robert Wickens won the Formula Renault 3.5 championship with 182 points
Formula Renault 2.0 featured 16 races across 8 rounds with two races per weekend
The series supported the 2011 Formula 1 World Championship at select events
Auto GP, part of the series, used 3.0L V8-powered Tatuus chassis cars

Overview

The 2011 World Series by Renault was a premier single-seater motorsport championship organized by Renault Sport. It served as a key development platform for young drivers aspiring to reach Formula 1, combining multiple racing categories under one promotional banner. The season featured high-profile circuits such as Silverstone, Monaco, and Spa-Francorchamps.

Unlike traditional series, the 2011 World Series by Renault integrated several support categories into a unified event format. This allowed fans to witness multiple races in a single weekend, enhancing entertainment value and visibility for drivers and teams. The championship emphasized cost-effective racing while maintaining competitive technical standards.

Eight rounds were held between April and October 2011, with each event featuring multiple race categories on the same weekend.
The Formula Renault 3.5 Series was the top tier, featuring drivers like Robert Wickens and Esteban Gutiérrez competing in 3.5L V8-powered Dallara chassis.
Formula Renault 2.0 served as a junior category, using 2.0L engines and acting as a stepping stone for drivers under 25 years old.
The series shared circuits with the Formula 1 World Championship, including the Monaco Grand Prix support race, boosting its exposure.
Auto GP, a secondary series using older GP2-style chassis with 3.0L engines, was integrated into the World Series by Renault event schedule.

How It Works

The 2011 World Series by Renault operated on a multi-class race weekend format, combining qualifying and race sessions for different categories. Events were structured to maximize media coverage and fan engagement, often aligning with major motorsport weekends.

Event Format: Each round featured two Formula Renault 3.5 races, two Formula Renault 2.0 races, and one Auto GP race, creating a full motorsport program. This allowed teams and drivers to compete in front of large audiences.
Points System: Drivers earned points based on finishing position, with 1st place receiving 25 points, scaling down to 1 point for 10th. Bonus points were awarded for fastest laps and pole positions.
Technical Regulations: The Formula Renault 3.5 cars used 3.5L V8 engines producing 530 hp, mated to a 6-speed sequential gearbox and carbon-fiber chassis.
Driver Eligibility: Competitors in Formula Renault 2.0 had to be under 25 years old and hold an FIA International license, ensuring a focus on youth development.
Team Structure: Teams operated under strict budget caps, with Renault providing technical support and engine supply to maintain competitive parity.
Media Coverage: All races were broadcast live on Eurosport and streamed online, ensuring global visibility and attracting talent scouts from F1 and GP2 teams.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the three primary categories within the 2011 World Series by Renault:

Racing Category	Engine	Power Output	Top Speed	Championship Winner
Formula Renault 3.5	3.5L V8	530 hp	300 km/h	Robert Wickens
Formula Renault 2.0 Alps	2.0L Inline-4	210 hp	240 km/h	Albert Costa
Auto GP	3.0L V8	480 hp	290 km/h	Adrien Tambay
Support Series	Various	Varies	Varies	N/A
Formula 1 (comparison)	2.4L V8	750 hp	340 km/h	Sebastian Vettel

While not as powerful as Formula 1, the World Series by Renault offered a realistic pathway to top-tier motorsport. The technical specifications were designed to balance performance and safety, making it ideal for driver development. The integration of multiple series allowed teams to evaluate talent across different levels of competition.

Why It Matters

The 2011 World Series by Renault played a crucial role in shaping the careers of future motorsport stars and maintaining Europe's dominance in single-seater racing. Its structured format and exposure helped bridge the gap between junior categories and elite series like Formula 1.

Robert Wickens, the 2011 champion, later competed in IndyCar and Formula E, showcasing the series' role in career progression.
The series provided early exposure for drivers like Esteban Gutiérrez, who later joined Formula 1 with Sauber.
Renault used the platform to promote its brand and engine technology across international markets and media outlets.
Cost controls and standardized parts helped reduce entry barriers, enabling independent teams to remain competitive.
The event format influenced later series such as Formula 2 and Formula 3, which adopted similar support-race models.
By aligning with F1 weekends, the series benefited from shared logistics, media, and fan attendance, increasing its sustainability.

Ultimately, the 2011 World Series by Renault exemplified how a well-structured motorsport ladder could nurture talent, entertain fans, and serve as a proving ground for future champions.