Dallara's new 2012 Formula Renault 3.5 was revealed at Silverstone last week, and with its DRS and innovation, the car could prove to be a key educational tool on the way to the top. AUTOSPORT investigates the car's potential

The 2012 Formula Renault 3.5 car made its public debut at a packed Silverstone last Sunday with GP2 Series points leader Romain Grosjean at the wheel. Details of the Dallara-built car's innovative features made headlines when they were announced at Monaco in May, key among these was the introduction of a Formula 1-style Drag Reduction System and the removal of the car's battery – a first for a production single-seater.

The battery is replaced by an advanced 'SuperCaps' electronic control unit, which has been developed by Nîmes-based XAP Electronique. An anti-engine stall strategy will be incorporated into the design to compensate for the lack of a starter on the car.

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