Canada's Robert Wickens heads to Spain's Circuit de Catalunya targeting his first European open-wheel racing title as the 22-year-old takes a narrow two point lead into the season finale of the 2011 Formula Renault 3.5 Series, Round 9, this weekend.
The stand-out Canadian racer, who holds four victories from a total of nine podium finishes already this season, leads France's Jean Eric Vergne 216 to 214 after a thrilling year of competition in the category that has propelled such talents as Sebastian Vettel and Robert Kubica directly into Formula One.
While Wickens already enjoys an involvement in Formula One, through his role as a reserve driver for Marussia Virgin Racing, the former Formula BMW USA Champion is focused on adding another title to his already impressive resume, which also includes runner-up finishes in F2 in 2009 and the GP3 Series in 2010.
This weekend's title-fight is a straight shoot-out between Wickens and Vergne. Robert saw a 34-point advantage over his French rival evaporate last month in Round 8 through a combination of factors, including a pair of podiums for Vergne, but significantly a no-score for Wickens in the second race resulting from a puncture, ensuring this season's championship battle would go all the way to the wire in Barcelona.
The 4.65km track, home of the 'Spanish Grand Prix' – traditionally the first European round of the Formula One season, has proved to be a happy hunting ground for Wickens since he began competing in Europe in 2008. Highlights include a pair of pole positions and a third place podium finish in F2 two seasons ago while last year he again reached the podium with a second place finish in GP3.
"If things go well I'll win the championship and if they don't I'll finish second," stated Wickens pragmatically ahead of the title showdown. "It's really an all or nothing weekend but I believe Saturday will be the key. If we have a strong showing then it'll help make Sunday a little bit easier.
"We just have to wait and see what happens though. I like the circuit, it's one of my favorites and I've run well there in the past. Carlin do a great job, we've had a quick car all season long and I'm hoping we can maintain our form and lead from the front."
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