WSR: Panciatici joins Lotus Racing Junior

Nelson Panciatici will race for the re-branded Lotus Racing Junior outfit in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series next season.

Formerly known as Mofaz Racing, the Northamptonshire-based team will act as the junior squad of F1 newcomers Lotus Racing, and have swooped to secure the services of ex-GP2 racer Panciatici.

“Joining the Lotus Racing Junior outfit is a huge opportunity for me and offers me the chance to enjoy the benefits of the direct link with the Formula One team,” said Panciatici.

“To be racing for a team that carries the famous Lotus name gives a little added pressure, but that isn’t a problem for me because I have learned to manage pressure and turn it into a positive since the age of ten when I started my career in karting.

“I am very aware of the glorious heritage and history of Lotus in motorsport and it is a huge honour for me to be involved with this team. I will do my best to maximise this opportunity and get everything I can from it.”

The 21-year-old Frenchman was a standout karter before moving into French Formula Renault and the Formula Renault Eurocup, where he was a regular podium finisher. He finished second in Spanish F3 in 2008, but suffered a frustrating season in GP2 last year when he was plagued by technical problems, including eight mechanical failures in qualifying, while racing with Durango. He has also represented French giants Olympic Lyonnais in Superleague Formula.

“We watched Nelson at both the Aragon and Barcelona tests, and he demonstrated his abilities,” said the team’s Technical Director Alex Somerset. “We are of the belief that Nelson certainly has the ability to finish in the Top 3 in the Drivers Championship”.

Lotus Racing Junior has also confirmed the signing of Russian driver Daniil Move, who finished tenth in the points standings with P1 Motorsport last season and will be entering his fourth season in the series.

Watch World Series by Renault highlights on Motors TV (Sky Channel 413, Virgin Media 545).


Andy Wilkinson