Winfield Racing School: Driver detection scheme comeback in 2016

Legendary Winfield Racing School returns to Paul Ricard in January 2016 with the launch of an exciting new project: the Winter Selection programme, which harks back to Winfield’s historic concept of discovering motor racing’s ‘next big thing’.

Jackie Stewart congratulating Didier Pironi, winner of the 1972 Winfield selection. 

The Winfield Racing School began its fascinating journey in 1962 when Magny-Cours designer set up a driving school, with the help of Shell and esteemed motorsport magazine Sport Auto, which welcomed 300 students on its opening. Shortly afterwards, the Winfield Racing School merged with a similar project based at Paul Ricard and supported by Elf. This association brought with it an even better reward and bigger challenge for the eventual winner of the programme each year: a full season in French Formula Renault.

From the middle of the 1960s to the ’90s, Winfield Racing School boasts a long history within the motorsport industry and was the training ground for many of the best-known F1 drivers from the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s. Indeed, over 30,000 pupils from all over the world attended the school, 30 of which went on to compete in Formula 1, two becoming World Champions.

Not only has Winfield claimed success in Formula 1, but many of its pupils went on to accomplish much more in other forms of motorsport. Some Winfield graduates include Formula 1 World Champions Alain Prost and Damon Hill; Grand Prix winners Jacques Laffite, Didier Pironi, Patrick Tambay, Jean Alesi and Olivier Panis; four-time WTCC champion Yvan Muller; Le Mans 24 Hours winner Stephane Ortelli; F3000 Champion Christian Danner and Le Mans class-winner Ukyo Katayama.

2016: New winter selection seeks motorsport’s stars of tomorrow

In keeping with the ethos of the original Racing School, Winfield’s latest project will reward the Winter Selection winner with a fully funded season in a competitive FIA Formula 4 championship. What’s more, the programme aims to educate and support young drivers in an effort to bridge the gap between karting and single-seater racing as they climb the motorsport ladder towards Formula 1. 

The Winfield Winter Selection will comprise nine races on three different configurations of the Paul Ricard circuit over just three weeks, offering participants an intensive learning experience both on track and off it. Indeed, the programme will include qualifying and race sessions as well as workshops on basic technical explanations, rules and regulations, insurance, physical and mental preparation, media training and road and racing conduct. 

As a result the Winfield Winter Selection is so much more than an off-season selection; it offers youngsters the full driver training experience to help them on their way to a career in motor racing. 

For more information about the Winter Selection and the calendar, please visit winfieldracingschool.com. 

Info Winfield Racing School  / © Photo DDPI