Continential master: Robin Frijns

by Peter Allen 5 July 2011

written by Peter Allen 5 July 2011

Photo: Chris Schotanus/Essay Produkties

After winning the Formula BMW Europe title last year, Dutchman Robin Frijns is now leading the way in the Eurocup Formula Renault…

Factfile:
Name: Robin Frijns
Date of birth: 7 August 1991 (age 19)
Nationality: Dutch
Currently: Leading Eurocup Formula Renault standings and second in Formula Renault NEC standings

Prior to stepping into single-seaters, Robin finished third in the CIK FIA European KF2 Championship in 2008, and second in the French championship. He was one of five drivers who qualified for a Formula BMW Europe scholarship for 2009 after a qualifying event in Valencia.

In his first season in formula racing he finished third in the Formula BMW Europe standings, as the top rookie, with one victory at Silverstone. He remained in the category for 2010 with the same Josef Kaufmann Racing team, and scored six wins and 13 podiums from 16 races on his way to the title.

Robin on his way to the Formula BMW Europe title. Photo: BMW

In October 2010 Robin contested a Formula Renault Northern European Cup event at Spa for Josef Kaufmann Racing. He finished second in the first race, fifth in the second before winning the third and final race of the weekend.

At the beginning of 2011 Robin was selected as one of the members of the brand new FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy, following a three-day selection process in Austria.

Frijns impressed the judges at the FIA Institute Academy Selection Event. Photo: FIA Institute

Robin opted to contest a full season in Formula Renault for 2011, again with Josef Kaufmann Racing, competing in both the Eurocup and the NEC. In the Eurocup he scored three podiums in the first three races before winning the fifth race of the season at the Nurburgring. He then scored a victory and a second place at the Hungaroring to take the lead of the standings. In the NEC he has scored seven podiums from ten starts, including one win at Assen, to lie second in the standings.

Talent rating: Robin had a successful karting career followed by a top rookie season in Formula BMW. He then took the title the following year and is now in contention for two Formula Renault titles. His talent also impressed the FIA Institute. 8/10

Chances of getting to F1: Robin spent two years in Formula BMW and then only made the relatively small step to Formula Renault rather than the larger jump to Formula 3 made by most. He’s clearly not in a hurry but if he continues his current form further up the ladder he could certainly make it to the top. 7/10