Motorsport: Hartley's deal with Gravity keeps F1 dream alive

Brendon Hartley. Photo / Supplied

Kiwi Brendon Hartley is relaxed on the eve of starting his World Series Renault 3.5ltr campaign in Spain this weekend.

The former Red Bull Development driver had a year to forget in 2010, especially when he was cut from the F1 team. However, he's got his tail feathers up now he's locked and loaded into the full WSR 3.5 series, and is looking forward to the nine-race championship.

"I can't wait, it's come around pretty quick and it's an exiting opportunity," said Hartley from his base in Milton Keynes, north of London.

"Obviously, it was disappointing last year but I've worked hard to get back into a good position and now it's down to me to go racing again."

Hartley has settled into his newly established Gravity-Charouz Racing outfit well and will be a force to be reckoned with. He set the second fastest time during the last official practice season at the Paul Richard circuit in the South of France.

"Although a new team, it's a good team and I don't see why we can't be fighting for the title this year. Every time we've hopped in the car, we've made progress," said Hartley.

On top of sorting out an entire series to go in, Hartley is even more chuffed to have signed a deal with Gravity Sport Management, one of the biggest hitters in the motorsport world with ties to the Renault Formula One team among others.

"The dream of F1 isn't over and I have a great opportunity to place myself back in the running this year."

WSR 3.5 schedule

April 14: Motorland Aragon, Spain

May 1: Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium

May 15: Monza, Italy

May 29: Monte Carlo, Monaco

June 19: Nurburgring, Germany

July 3: Hungaroring, Hungary

August 21: Silverstone, Britain

September 18: Le Castellet, France

October 9: Barcelona, Spain