Nick Yelloly confirmed as Comtec’s first driver

Former GP3 driver and race winner, Nick Yelloly, is confirmed as Comtec Racing’s Formula Renault 3.5 Series driver for 2012.

After entering the last three World Series by Renault 2011 meetings, and finishing on the rookie podium every time, he concluded his campaign with a second place on the podium proper in the last round at Barcelona. Finishing 14 overall – the highest a British driver has ever finished – Nick was a natural choice and clearly responds well to the higher performance cars.

John Barnett, Team Manager…

“Nick burst onto the World Series by Renault scene last season and immediately made an impact; surprising and impressing everyone with his pace. Since then, it was our aim to secure Nick as part of the team for 2012.

During winter testing he immediately gelled with his engineer, Paul Heath, and we all appreciated his professional and controlled approach to testing. I believe that together we can develop Comtec’s new Formula Renault 3.5 car into a Championship winning package."

On his signing Nick Yelloly said:

“I'm really happy to be joining Comtec Racing in Formula Renault 3.5 Series. Firstly I have to thank John (Barnett), Paul (Heath) and Pierre (Moncheur) for showing faith in me, and helping to get the deal done. I would also like to thank my family for their ongoing support and all my sponsors and partners whom have been involved for most of my career, or are coming on board this year. The guys at Comtec are really professional so there's no reason why we can't return Comtec to a championship winning team again, as they should be."

Three questions…

There’s a lot of good driver’s in the Championship this year, are you feeling confident?
There are a number of excellent drivers in this year’s Formula Renault 3.5 Series, but when competing in the last three rounds last year there were also some highly regarded prospects, as there is every year in the championship, so that’s no real worry to me.
I recently visited Comtec’s facility to have a look around and after my initial visit, I’m very confident in what they have set in place for the 2012 season and the development work that has already been completed at this stage.

Are you looking forward to the first shakedown at Paul Ricard on 13-15March 2012?
YES!! I can't wait for the first test at Paul Ricard, less than three weeks away now!
I haven't driven anything except a few karts over the winter. The last time I was in a race car was November, so I’m certainly itching to get behind the wheel of new Formula Renault 3.5 car, and check out what its like.

You came to karting late, any reason?
I was always very good at golf, then one day I went to a karting party and immediately impressed the organizers with my pace – it went from there! Progression was really fast and here we are now!