There are certain ways of going about winning a championship in motorsport. One is to patiently bank points and profit from the misfortune of others, mounting a challenge based on consistency. Then there’s the approach taken by Giedo van der Garde on his way to the 2008 Formula Renault 3.5 title, breaking the back of the opposition with morale-crushing victories early doors.
The Dutchman’s three wins from the opening four races with the Renault World Series’ new-for-2008 Dallara T08 established him in a clear lead that he never relinquished for the remainder of the campaign. After taking additional wins at Hungary and Le Mans, as well as runner-up finishes at Monaco, Silverstone and the Nurburgring, van der Garde wrapped up the title with a round to spare at Estoril.
