Having spent four years in the Renault Driver Development Programme, Brazilian Lucas DiGrassi becomes the ING Renault F1 Team’s third driver for 2008. With his undoubted speed and affable personality, Lucas quickly made a name for himself in South American karting before heading for Europe where he emerged as a leading light in Formula 3. It was then that his association with Renault began, and with their backing he competed in the F3 Euro-Series before graduating to GP2 in 2006. By 2007 Lucas was fighting for race wins and narrowly missed out on securing the GP2 crown.

Nationality: Brazilian

Place of Birth: Sao Paulo, Brazil

Lucas began his karting career in Brazil with immediate success, becoming Sao Paulo Champion in 1997, Brazilian champion the following year, and finally South American champions in 1999. The winning trend continued in 2000 with a Pan American title and a 5th place in World Cup Formula A.

Runner-up of Brazilian Championship

Runner-up South American Championship

2004 and a move to UK saw Lucas begin his association with the RDD. A solid first season brought 2 wins and 6 podiums en route to 8th in the championship. A trip to the celebrated Macau circuit also proved fruitful with a 3rd place finish at the Macau Grand Prix

Again with RDD backing, Lucas moved on to the fiercely competitive F3 Euro Series and with 7 podiums (including 1 win) finished third in the championship. However, the defining moment was his victory on the streets of Macau as he took overall victory in the F3 race and was subsequently named best under-21 South American driver by a panel of expert journalists.

 2006 – 2007: GP2