Fifteen years ago, young engineers Thibaut de Merindol and Cyril Comte joined forces to create R-ace GP, a team that has become a pillar in the European junior single-seater scene and now also competes in the sports prototype categories.
Throughout its trajectory, R-ace GP has been the training ground for drivers now recognized in Formula 1 such as Oscar Piastri, Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon, Isack Hadjar, and Gabriel Bortoleto. By the end of 2025, the team has achieved championships in various categories, including Formula Regional, Formula Renault 2.0, and Formula 4, with a total of nine team titles and 130 victories.
To commemorate this anniversary, last September, R-ace invited former and current drivers, friends, and collaborators to its headquarters in Fontenay-le-Comte, in northern France. The celebration was a moment to reflect on the successes achieved over the years.
De Merindol and Comte have maintained the leadership of this project since its inception. De Merindol expresses his ambivalent feeling about the 15 years of history, pointing out that, despite a constant sense of feeling they could have achieved more, there is much to be proud of.
Their vision for the team goes beyond trophies, highlighting the importance of building a supportive team with shared values and a common passion. De Merindol emphasizes that the first successes are never forgotten, and highlights that entering the world of LMP3 prototypes in the Le Mans Cup 2024 is just the first step towards new challenges.
The celebrations include vintage cars that still retain their original vinyls, such as the chassis with which Piastri won the FRenault Eurocup title in 2019. This connection to the past allows the team to keep the spirit of its legacy alive.
Drivers who have been through R-ace GP have shared their memories about the team, highlighting not only the victories but also the learning and personal development process. For example, Gabriel Bortoleto emphasizes the staff’s demand to extract the maximum performance from the drivers, a lesson that has been fundamental in his career.
At a time of change, the Formula Regional category will switch to Toyota engines, a new challenge that R-ace GP faces with optimism. De Merindol acknowledges their history with Renault and Alpine, but also sees the arrival of the FIA as an opportunity for the championship.
Accounts from former drivers, such as Oscar Piastri and Esteban Ocon, corroborate the importance of working with R-ace GP, not only for the victories but for the personal and professional growth they have achieved. R-ace GP continues to be a team committed to developing the talents of the future, keeping their passion for competition alive and active.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
SourceID: SRC_e9784e3a75d09607c945387e431a336bb67bc282