Founded in 1998 by Philippe Gautheron under the name G-TEC, and operating as a race driver training and preparation academy during the previous six seasons, Team Virage is delighted to announce its launch into prototype racing.
With success in single-seater categories, from Formula Junior 1.6 to the Open Telefonica by Nissan – most recently known as World Series Formula V8 3.5 – Gautheron took over the technical management of Addax Team and Campos Racing in the GP2 Series, winning two teams’ titles.
With Virage, the Frenchman focused on physical, mental and simulator preparation for GP2, GP3 Series and FIA European Formula 3 drivers, including Sergio Perez, Vitaly Petrov, Giedo van der Garde, Rio Haryanto and Charles Pic.
From 2018, Team Virage will enter European LMP3 championships, including the VdeV Series, European Le Mans Series and Michelin Le Mans Cup, led by Gautheron and assisted by former racing driver Julien Gerbi as Team Manager.
During pre-season, the team has tested in Spain with GP3 driver Julien Falchero, LMP3 race-winner Henning Enqvist and single-seater youngster Javier Cobian.
Philippe Gautheron, said: “We recently witnessed a resurgence in prototype racing. The launch of numerous LMP3 championships offers new opportunities for young drivers to become professionals, while gentlemen racers can now compete in a serious environment, without the high costs usually seen in endurance categories. We are happy to combine our racing and preparation programmes, in order to provide our drivers with the best service, both on and off the track.”
