After initially being confirmed for the 2015 Formula Renault 3.5 Series season, Colombian Oscar Tunjo has been forced to leave Pons Racing for budgetary issues.
The nineteen-year-old had joined Pons during the 2014 season and had been signed to an eighteen-month contract covering 2015, but now Pons Racing will be looking for two new drivers for the upcoming season.
Tunjo initially made his debut in the fourth round of last season at Spa-Francorchamps, replacing Briton Oliver Webb, and partnered Dutchman Meindert van Buuren for the remainder of the season. He qualified on the front row of the grid at the Nurburgring in just his sixth race of the season, only to be eliminated in a multi-car first lap crash.
The Colombian had positive conclusion to the 2014 season, finishing a best place of seventh in the finale at Jerez, and was hoping to build on the experience of last year to be a contender for points and podiums in 2015.
“Pons Racing and Oscar Tunjo have mutually decided to end their collaboration,” said a statement by Pons Racing. “The Colombian racer, who was scheduled to enter the 2015 World Series Renault 3.5 season with the Spanish operation, was forced to reconsider his plans due to budget concerns.
“Tunjo had made his WSR debut with Pons Racing during the 2014 season. The team, managed by Emilio de Villota, has now two seats available.”
