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Sten PentusEstonian racing driver
Date of Birth: 03.11.1981
Country:  Estonia |
Content:
- Sten Pentus: Estonian Racing Icon
- Transition to Touring and Formula BMW
- Progress in Formula Renault
- Success in Formula Renault 3.5
- Setbacks and Recovery
- Family Ties
Sten Pentus: Estonian Racing Icon
Early Career: Karting and Formula SuccessSten Pentus, an esteemed Estonian racing driver, embarked on his motorsport journey in the mid-1990s. He honed his skills in various Baltic karting competitions, where his impressive pace and consistency propelled him to join Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian semi-professional formula racing series by 2000.
Transition to Touring and Formula BMW
While securing funding for European formula racing proved elusive, Pentus diversified his portfolio by participating in touring car races in the Baltics and Finland. In 2004, he secured additional sponsorship and ventured into Germany's Formula BMW. Despite facing stiff competition, he managed to claim two points finishes.
Progress in Formula Renault
Pentus returned to the Baltics in 2005, but by 2006, he resumed his European ventures, competing in Formula Renault 2.0. Over several seasons in the Eurocup and British series, he steadily improved his results, consistently finishing in the mid-pack and occasionally breaking into the top ten.
Success in Formula Renault 3.5
In late 2008, Pentus secured a spot in Formula Renault 3.5, where he initially struggled but gradually progressed. In his second season, he began challenging for podium positions. The 2010 season proved to be his breakthrough year, with multiple podiums and two race wins, culminating in a fourth-place finish in the championship.
Setbacks and Recovery
Pentus aimed for a title run in 2011, but a team change hindered his performance. Rare point-scoring finishes relegated him to 24th in the standings, showcasing his struggles against teammate Albert Costa.
Funding issues plagued Pentus in 2012, forcing him to compete on a limited schedule in the Auto GP series. However, he impressed by finishing in the points in four of six races despite driving for weaker teams.
Family Ties
Pentus' sister, Keit, is a prominent Estonian politician, currently serving as the Minister of the Environment.
