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{{Use British English|date=July 2015}} |
{{Use British English|date=July 2015}} |
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{{Infobox motor racing team |
{{Infobox motor racing team |
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|name = |
|name = {{flagicon|GBR}} Invicta Racing |
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|logo = File: |
|logo = [[File:Team-Logo VirtuosiRacing 2.png|thumb|Invicta Racing Team Logo]] |
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|founded = 2012 |
|founded = 2012 |
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|base = [[Attleborough]], [[Norfolk]], [[England]] |
|base = [[Attleborough]], [[Norfolk]], [[England]] |
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|principal = Andy Roche |
|principal = Andy Roche |
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|founders = Paul Devlin<br>Andy Roche<br>Declan Lohan |
|founders = Paul Devlin<br>Andy Roche<br>Declan Lohan |
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|current series = [[FIA Formula 2 Championship]]<br> |
|current series = [[FIA Formula 2 Championship]]<br> |
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|former series = [[GP2 Series]]<br>[[Auto GP]] |
|former series = [[GP2 Series]]<br>[[Auto GP]] |
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|current drivers = '''FIA Formula 2 Championship'''<br>{{flagicon| |
|current drivers = '''FIA Formula 2 Championship'''<br>{{flagicon|CZE}} 9. [[Roman Staněk]]<br>{{flagicon|ITA}} 10. [[Leonardo Fornaroli]]<br>''' |
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|Website=https:// |
|Website=https://invictaracing.com//}} |
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'''Virtuosi Racing''' (formerly '''Virtuosi UK''', currently racing as '''[[Invicta Watch Group|Invicta]] Racing''' in Formula 2) is a British racing team currently competing in [[FIA Formula 2 Championship|FIA Formula 2]] and the [[F4 British Championship]]. The team previously raced in the [[Auto GP]] series, in addition to running the [[Russian Time]] outfit in Formula 2 and its predecessor [[GP2 Series]] from 2015 to 2018. With the withdrawal of Russian Time, the team assumed its new name UNI-Virtuosi Racing for the [[2019 Formula 2 Championship|2019 Formula 2 season]]. A partnership with watch company [[Invicta Watch Group|Invicta]] resulted in a further name change for [[2023 Formula 2 Championship|2023]], followed by a partial takeover in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Racing |first=Invicta Virtuosi |date=2023-02-25 |title=Invicta Watch Group & Virtuosi Racing join forces in FIA Formula 2 from 2023 onwards |url=https://www.virtuosiracing.com/post/invicta-watch-group-virtuosi-racing-join-forces-in-fia-formula-2-from-2023-onwards |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=Virtuosi Racing |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.autosport.com/formula2/news/invicta-watch-group-buys-ownership-stake-in-virtuosi-racing/10559399/|title=Invicta Watch Group buys ownership stake in Virtuosi Racing|website=[[Autosport]]|last=White|first=Megan|date=20 December 2023|access-date=20 December 2023}}</ref> |
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'''Invicta Racing''' (formerly known as ''Virtuosi UK'') is a British motorsport team currently competing in the '''FIA Formula 2 Championship''' and the '''F4 British Championship'''. The team previously participated in the '''Auto GP Series''' and managed the '''Russian Time''' entry in Formula 2 and its predecessor, the GP2 Series, from 2015 to 2018. Following Russian Time's withdrawal, the team rebranded as '''UNI-Virtuosi Racing''' for the 2019 Formula 2 season. In 2023, a sponsorship agreement with the Invicta Watch Group led to a name change to '''Invicta Virtuosi Racing''', which was followed by Invicta acquiring a partial ownership stake in 2024, resulting in the team being fully rebranded as '''Invicta Racing'''. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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In 2012, Paul Devlin and Andy Roche approached businessman Declan Lohan for financial backing and the Virtuosi UK team was founded at Carleton Rode, Norfolk, to participate in the [[Auto GP]]. The team signed [[GP2 Series]] driver Pål Varhaug. His teammates in the first rounds were [[European F3 Open]] driver Matteo Beretta and [[Formula Renault 3.5 Series]] driver Sten Pentus, before they were replaced by Auto GP veteran Francesco Dracone. Varhaug won the feature race at Sonoma and reverse-grid races at Monza and Hungaroring, finishing as runner-up in the drivers' standings and helping secure fourth in the teams' standings. |
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In 2012, Paul Devlin and Andy Roche approached businessman Declan Lohan for financial backing and Virtuosi UK team was founded at [[Carleton Rode]], [[Norfolk]] in order to participate in the [[2012 Auto GP World Series|Auto GP]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.virtuosiracing.com/the-team/4580644672|title=The Team|publisher=Virtuosi Racing|access-date=18 March 2015}}</ref> The team signed [[2011 GP2 Series season|GP2 Series]] driver [[Pål Varhaug]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.stopandgo.tv/news/campionati/auto-gp/it/pal-varhaug-nel-primo-round-di-monza-con-il-team-virtuosi-uk.html|title=Pal Varhaug nel primo round di Monza con il team Virtuosi UK|trans-title=Pal Varhaug in first round at Monza for team Virtuosi UK|last=Rubino|first=Jacopo|date=5 March 2012|work=stopandgo.tv|publisher=Stop&Go|language=it|access-date=5 March 2012}}</ref> His team-mates in the first rounds were [[2011 European F3 Open season|European F3 Open]] driver Matteo Beretta and [[2011 Formula Renault 3.5 Series season|Formula Renault 3.5 Series]] driver [[Sten Pentus]], before they was replaced by Auto GP veteran [[Francesco Dracone]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.autogp.org/en/news.php?id=0625|title=Pentus joins the Series with Virtuosi UK|date=27 March 2012|work=[[Auto GP|Auto GP World Series]]|publisher=Auto GP Organization|access-date=27 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98774|title=Sergio Campana leads Marrakech Auto GP practice|work=[[Autosport]]|publisher=[[Haymarket Media Group|Haymarket Publications]]|date=13 April 2012|access-date=13 April 2012|first=Peter|last=Mills|quote=Norwegian Varhaug has a new team-mate at Virtuosi UK this weekend. Former Euro Series 3000 veteran and IndyCar starter Franceso Dracone replaces Formula Renault 3.5 race winner Sten Pentus.}}</ref> Varhaug won feature race at [[Sonoma Raceway|Sonoma]] and reverse-grid races at [[Autodromo Nazionale Monza|Monza]] and [[Hungaroring]], finishing as runner-up in the drivers' standings and bringing fourth place in the teams' standings.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.autogp.org/en/news.php?id=0616|title=Varhaug clinches Race 2 win in Monza|date=11 March 2012|work=[[Auto GP|Auto GP World Series]]|publisher=Auto GP Organisation|access-date=18 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/99410/|title=Paul Varhaug beats Adrian Quaife-Hobbs to win second Hungaroring Auto GP race|last=Mills|first=Peter|date=6 May 2012|work=[[Autosport]]|publisher=[[Haymarket Media Group|Haymarket]]|access-date=18 March 2015}}</ref> |
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For 2013, the team signed [[FIA European Formula 3 Championship]] graduate Andrea Roda, who was partnered by Max Snegirev. The team also facilitated the Comtec by Virtuosi entry. Unlike the previous season, the team failed to reach the podium and dropped to seventh in the teams' standings. |
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Andrea Roda was retained for the 2014 campaign. For the opening two rounds, the team expanded to three cars, fielding Richard Gonda and Sam Dejonghe. At Imola, the second car was occupied by returnee Varhaug, but he was replaced at Spielberg by Tamás Pál Kiss, who had left Zele Racing. In Austria, Roda won a reverse-grid race, claiming the team’s first victory since 2012. Kiss notched another two wins for the team at the Nürburgring and Estoril. By the end of the year, the team finished as runner-up in the teams' standings. |
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For [[2013 Auto GP season|2013]], the team signed [[FIA Formula 3 European Championship|FIA European Formula 3 Championship]] graduate Andrea Roda.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/105215|title=Virtuosi signs Andrea Roda for Auto GP|work=[[Autosport]]|publisher=[[Haymarket Group|Haymarket Publications]]|date=21 January 2013|access-date=21 January 2013}}</ref> He was partnered by [[Max Snegirev]], who previously raced for [[Campos Racing]]. Also British team supported [[Comtec Racing|Comtec by Virtuosi]] entry.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/109191|title=Virtuosi to support new Comtec entry in Auto GP|last=Mills|first=Peter|date=5 August 2013|work=[[Autosport]]|publisher=[[Haymarket Media Group|Haymarket]]|access-date=18 March 2015}}</ref> Unlike the previous season Virtuosi drivers even failed to achieve podium finish and downgraded to seventh in the teams' standings. |
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In 2015, the team signed [[German Formula Three]] driver Nikita Zlobin. Additionally, the team took over the management of the [[Russian Time]] entry in the GP2 Series, previously handled by iSport International. |
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The squad prolonged Andrea Roda for 2014 campaign.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.paddockscout.com/roda-stays-with-virtuosi-for-2014-auto-gp-campaign/|title=Roda stays with Virtuosi for 2014 Auto GP campaign|last=Khorounzhiy|first=Valentin|date=27 January 2014|publisher=Paddock Scout|access-date=27 January 2014}}</ref> Also the team expanded to three cars for two opening rounds, fielding [[Richard Gonda]] and Sam Dejonghe.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.autogp.net/newssingola2_en.asp?c=147|title=Auto GP set for opener at Marrakech|date=10 April 2014|work=[[Auto GP]]|publisher=Auto GP Organisation|access-date=18 March 2015}}</ref> At [[Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari|Imola]], second car was occupied by returnee Varhaug but he was replaced at [[Red Bull Ring|Spielberg]] by [[Tamás Pál Kiss]], who left [[Zele Racing]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/varhaug/status/482119576315236353|title=@varhaug: 26 June|work=Twitter|publisher=Twitter Inc.|date=26 June 2014|access-date=26 June 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/VirtuosiRacing/status/489535388424630272|title=@VirtuosiRacing: 16 July|work=Twitter|publisher=Twitter Inc.|date=16 July 2014|access-date=17 July 2014}}</ref> Also at Spielberg Roda won a reverse-grid race, it was first win for Virtuosi since 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/115056|title=Red Bull Ring Auto GP: Roda takes first win in Virtuosi one-two|last=Watkins|first=Gary|date=20 July 2014|work=[[Autosport]]|publisher=[[Haymarket Media Group|Haymarket]]|access-date=18 March 2015}}</ref> Kiss collected another two wins for the team at [[Nürburgring]] and [[Autódromo do Estoril|Estoril]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.paddockscout.com/kiss-wins-as-sato-is-crowned-auto-gp-champion/20577|title=Kiss wins as Sato is crowned Auto GP champion|last=David|first=Gruz|date=17 August 2014|publisher=Paddock Scout|access-date=18 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.paddockscout.com/kiss-wins-first-estoril-auto-gp-race-to-secure-runner-up-spot/22280|title=Kiss wins first Estoril Auto GP race to secure runner-up spot|last=Allen|first=Peter|date=19 October 2014|access-date=18 March 2015}}</ref> The team finished as runner-up in the teams' standings. |
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On 4 December 2018, it was announced that Virtuosi would replace the outgoing Russian Time outfit in the [[FIA Formula 2 Championship]] starting in 2019. The team confirmed [[Guanyu Zhou]] as its first driver, with [[Luca Ghiotto]] completing the line-up. In its debut season, the team finished second in the Teams' Championship with Ghiotto taking four wins. |
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In [[2015 Auto GP season|2015]], the team signed [[2014 German Formula Three season|German Formula Three]] driver Nikita Zlobin.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2015/02/virtuosi-sign-nikita-zlobin-for-2015-auto-gp-season/|title=Virtuosi sign Nikita Zlobin for 2015 Auto GP season|last=Hensby|first=Paul|date=27 February 2015|publisher=The Checkered Flag|access-date=18 March 2015}}</ref> In addition the team replaced [[iSport International]] in the managing of the [[Russian Time]] team in the [[GP2 Series]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/gp2-virtuosi-run-russian-time-gp2-team-184909566--spt.html|title=Virtuosi to run Russian Time GP2 team|last=Mills|first=Peter|date=18 March 2015|work=uk.eurosport.yahoo.com|publisher=[[Eurosport]]|access-date=18 March 2015}}</ref> |
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For 2020, Zhou stayed on, joined by Callum Ilott. The team repeated its runners-up finish in the Teams' Championship, scoring four victories. |
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[[File:FIA F2 Austria 2019 Nr. 8 Ghiotto.jpg|thumb|left|UNI-Virtuosi's [[Luca Ghiotto]] racing at the 2019 Spielberg Formula 2 round]] |
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In 2021, Zhou was once again retained, this time partnered by Felipe Drugovich. The team finished second in the Teams' Championship for the third consecutive year, with all four wins scored by Zhou. |
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On 4 December 2018, it was announced Virtuosi would replace the outgoing Russian Time outfit in the [[FIA Formula 2 Championship]] in {{F2|2019}} under the name UNI-Virtuosi.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fiaformula2.com/News-Room/News/2018/12_December/UNI-Virtuosi-replace-RUSSIAN-TIME/|title=UNI-VIRTUOSI RACING REPLACE RUSSIAN TIME|date=4 December 2018|access-date=4 December 2018}}</ref> The following day, the team confirmed [[Guanyu Zhou]] as its first driver.<ref name="Zhou">{{cite news |last1=Allen |first1=Peter |title=Guan Yu Zhou steps up to F2 with UNI-Virtuosi |url=http://www.formulascout.com/guan-yu-zhou-steps-up-to-f2-with-uni-virtuosi/46872 |access-date=5 December 2018 |work=formulascout.com |publisher=Formula Scout |date=5 December 2018}}</ref> The next day [[Luca Ghiotto]] filled the remained slot in the Virtuosi's line-up.<ref name="Ghiotto">{{cite news |last1=Horton |first1=Phillip |title=Luca Ghiotto completes UNI-Virtuosi's F2 driver line-up |url=https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/20936 |access-date=6 December 2018 |work=motorsportweek.com |publisher=Motorsport Media Services |date=6 December 2018}}</ref> The team finished in second place in the Teams' Championship its first season as Virtuosi, with Ghiotto taking four wins. |
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Zhou graduated to [[Formula One]] with Alfa Romeo in 2022, and his seat was filled by [[Jack Doohan]], while [[Marino Sato]] replaced Drugovich. Despite Doohan’s three wins, the team only managed seventh in the Teams' Championship. |
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For {{F2|2020}} the team retained Zhou as its first driver, whilst replacing the outgoing Ghiotto with [[Callum Ilott]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Racing |first=Virtuosi |date=2019-11-28 |title=Impressive Formula 2 rookie Callum Ilott will join the UNI-Virtuosi Racing team for the 2020 season. |url=https://www.virtuosiracing.com/post/impressive-formula-2-rookie-callum-ilott-will-join-the-uni-virtuosi-racing-team-for-the-2020-season |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=Virtuosi Racing |language=en}}</ref> The team repeated its runners-up finish in Teams' Championship from the previous year, again with four wins. |
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Doohan remained for 2023 under the renamed Invicta Virtuosi Racing, joined by Amaury Cordeel. Doohan took three victories, finishing third in the standings, and the team improved to fifth in the Teams' Championship. |
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In {{F2|2021}}, Zhou was once again retained by the team, this time joined by [[Felipe Drugovich]] in the other car.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Racing |first=Virtuosi |date=2020-12-07 |title=Felipe Drugovich joins UNI-Virtuosi Racing for 2021 F2 season |url=https://www.virtuosiracing.com/post/felipe-drugovich-joins-uni-virtuosi-racing-for-2021-f2-season |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=Virtuosi Racing |language=en}}</ref> For the third year in a row the team finished in second place in the Teams' Championship, once again with four wins, all scored by Zhou. On 20 October, Virtuosi Racing announced its expansion to [[Formula 4]] racing by entering the [[F4 British Championship]] from the [[2022 F4 British Championship|2022 season]] onwards.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-10-20 |title=Virtuosi Racing to enter FIA British F4 in 2022 |url=https://www.virtuosiracing.com/post/virtuosi-racing-to-enter-fia-british-f4-in-2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221121105728/https://www.virtuosiracing.com/post/virtuosi-racing-to-enter-fia-british-f4-in-2022 |archive-date=2022-11-21 |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=Virtuosi Racing}}</ref> |
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In 2024, the team rebranded as Invicta Racing with Gabriel Bortoleto and Kush Maini as the new driver line-up. Bortoleto made history by winning the Monza Feature Race from last on the grid. He secured the Drivers’ Championship at the Abu Dhabi finale, while the team clinched its first FIA Formula 2 Teams’ Championship. |
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With Zhou graduating to Formula 1 in {{F1|2022}} with Alfa Romeo, his seat was filled by [[Jack Doohan (racing driver)|Jack Doohan]], with [[Marino Sato]] replacing Drugovich.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.virtuosiracing.com/post/virtuosi-racing-announce-their-2022-f2-line-up |title=Virtuosi Racing announce their 2022 F2 line-up |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=www.virtuosiracing.com}}</ref> Despite Doohan taking three wins in his rookie season the team could only finish in seventh place in the Teams' Championship. |
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For the 2025 season, Invicta signed reigning FIA Formula 3 Champion Leonardo Fornaroli alongside Roman Staněk, aiming to defend both championships. |
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The {{F2|2023}} season saw Doohan remain with the team, this time joined by Belgian [[Amaury Cordeel]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Virtuosi Racing confirms Doohan and Cordeel for 2023 F2 season |url=https://www.fiaformula2.com/ |access-date=2023-11-04 |website=FIA_F2® - The Official F2® Website |language=en}}</ref> |
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==Current series results== |
==Current series results== |
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===F4 British Championship=== |
===F4 British Championship (Under Virtuosi Name)=== |
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==References== |
==References== |
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* Racing, Invicta Virtuosi (25 February 2023). "Invicta Watch Group & Virtuosi Racing join forces in FIA Formula 2 from 2023 onwards". Virtuosi Racing. Retrieved 4 November 2023. |
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* White, Megan (20 December 2023). "Invicta Watch Group buys ownership stake in Virtuosi Racing". Autosport. Retrieved 20 December 2023. |
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* "The Team". Virtuosi Racing. Retrieved 18 March 2015. |
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* Rubino, Jacopo (5 March 2012). "Pal Varhaug nel primo round di Monza con il team Virtuosi UK" [Pal Varhaug in first round at Monza for team Virtuosi UK]. Stopandgo.tv (in Italian). Stop&Go. Retrieved 5 March 2012. |
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* "Pentus joins the Series with Virtuosi UK". Auto GP World Series. Auto GP Organization. 27 March 2012. Retrieved 27 March 2012. |
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* Mills, Peter (13 April 2012). "Sergio Campana leads Marrakech Auto GP practice". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 13 April 2012. |
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* "Varhaug clinches Race 2 win in Monza". Auto GP World Series. Auto GP Organisation. 11 March 2012. Retrieved 18 March 2015. |
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* Mills, Peter (6 May 2012). "Paul Varhaug beats Adrian Quaife-Hobbs to win second Hungaroring Auto GP race". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 18 March 2015. |
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* "Virtuosi signs Andrea Roda for Auto GP". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. 21 January 2013. Retrieved 21 January 2013. |
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* Mills, Peter (5 August 2013). "Virtuosi to support new Comtec entry in Auto GP". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 18 March 2015. |
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* Khorounzhiy, Valentin (27 January 2014). "Roda stays with Virtuosi for 2014 Auto GP campaign". Paddock Scout. Retrieved 27 January 2014. |
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* "Auto GP set for opener at Marrakech". Auto GP. Auto GP Organisation. 10 April 2014. Retrieved 18 March 2015. |
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* "@varhaug: 26 June". Twitter. Twitter Inc. 26 June 2014. Retrieved 26 June 2014. |
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* "@VirtuosiRacing: 16 July". Twitter. Twitter Inc. 16 July 2014. Retrieved 17 July 2014. |
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* Watkins, Gary (20 July 2014). "Red Bull Ring Auto GP: Roda takes first win in Virtuosi one-two". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 18 March 2015. |
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* David, Gruz (17 August 2014). "Kiss wins as Sato is crowned Auto GP champion". Paddock Scout. Retrieved 18 March 2015. |
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* Allen, Peter (19 October 2014). "Kiss wins first Estoril Auto GP race to secure runner-up spot". Paddock Scout. Retrieved 18 March 2015. |
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* Hensby, Paul (27 February 2015). "Virtuosi sign Nikita Zlobin for 2015 Auto GP season". The Checkered Flag. Retrieved 18 March 2015. |
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* Mills, Peter (18 March 2015). "Virtuosi to run Russian Time GP2 team". Eurosport. Retrieved 18 March 2015. |
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* "UNI-VIRTUOSI RACING REPLACE RUSSIAN TIME". FIA Formula 2. 4 December 2018. Retrieved 4 December 2018. |
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* Allen, Peter (5 December 2018). "Guan Yu Zhou steps up to F2 with UNI-Virtuosi". Formula Scout. Retrieved 5 December 2018. |
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* Horton, Phillip (6 December 2018). "Luca Ghiotto completes UNI-Virtuosi's F2 driver line-up". Motorsport Week. Retrieved 6 December 2018. |
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* Racing, Virtuosi (28 November 2019). "Impressive Formula 2 rookie Callum Ilott will join the UNI-Virtuosi Racing team for the 2020 season". Virtuosi Racing. Retrieved 4 November 2023. |
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* Racing, Virtuosi (7 December 2020). "Felipe Drugovich joins UNI-Virtuosi Racing for 2021 F2 season". Virtuosi Racing. Retrieved 4 November 2023. |
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* "Virtuosi Racing to enter FIA British F4 in 2022". Virtuosi Racing. 20 October 2021. Archived from the original on 21 November 2022. Retrieved 21 November 2022. |
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* "Virtuosi Racing announce their 2022 F2 line-up". Virtuosi Racing. Retrieved 4 November 2023. |
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* "Virtuosi Racing confirms Doohan and Cordeel for 2023 F2 season". FIA Formula 2. Retrieved 4 November 2023. |
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*{{cite web |url=https://invictaracing.com/post/invicta-racing-signs-roman-stanek-for-the-2025-fia-formula-2-season |title=Invicta Racing signs Roman Staněk for the 2025 FIA Formula 2 season |website=Invicta Racing |access-date=20 December 2024}} |
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*{{cite web |url=https://www.autosport.com/formula2/news/f3-champion-fornaroli-signs-with-invicta-for-2025-f2-graduation/10650825/ |title=F3 champion Fornaroli signs with Invicta for 2025 F2 graduation |website=Autosport |access-date=20 December 2024}} |
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*{{cite web |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/f2-bortoleto-wins-2024-drivers-title-after-hadjar-heartbreak.mce5zkGmIMTLTxYK5IpwF |title=F2: Bortoleto wins 2024 Drivers' Title after Hadjar heartbreak |website=Formula1.com |access-date=20 December 2024}} |
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{{reflist|30em}} |
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Revision as of 09:59, 21 December 2024
 | This article contains paid contributions. It may require cleanup to comply with Wikipedia's content policies, particularly neutral point of view. |
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| Founded | 2012 |
|---|---|
| Founder(s) | Paul Devlin Andy Roche Declan Lohan |
| Base | Attleborough, Norfolk, England |
| Team principal(s) | Andy Roche |
| Current series | FIA Formula 2 Championship |
| Former series | GP2 Series Auto GP |
| Current drivers | FIA Formula 2 Championship 9. Roman Staněk 10. Leonardo Fornaroli |
| Website | https://invictaracing.com// |
Invicta Racing (formerly known as Virtuosi UK) is a British motorsport team currently competing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship and the F4 British Championship. The team previously participated in the Auto GP Series and managed the Russian Time entry in Formula 2 and its predecessor, the GP2 Series, from 2015 to 2018. Following Russian Time's withdrawal, the team rebranded as UNI-Virtuosi Racing for the 2019 Formula 2 season. In 2023, a sponsorship agreement with the Invicta Watch Group led to a name change to Invicta Virtuosi Racing, which was followed by Invicta acquiring a partial ownership stake in 2024, resulting in the team being fully rebranded as Invicta Racing.
History
In 2012, Paul Devlin and Andy Roche approached businessman Declan Lohan for financial backing and the Virtuosi UK team was founded at Carleton Rode, Norfolk, to participate in the Auto GP. The team signed GP2 Series driver Pål Varhaug. His teammates in the first rounds were European F3 Open driver Matteo Beretta and Formula Renault 3.5 Series driver Sten Pentus, before they were replaced by Auto GP veteran Francesco Dracone. Varhaug won the feature race at Sonoma and reverse-grid races at Monza and Hungaroring, finishing as runner-up in the drivers' standings and helping secure fourth in the teams' standings.
For 2013, the team signed FIA European Formula 3 Championship graduate Andrea Roda, who was partnered by Max Snegirev. The team also facilitated the Comtec by Virtuosi entry. Unlike the previous season, the team failed to reach the podium and dropped to seventh in the teams' standings.
Andrea Roda was retained for the 2014 campaign. For the opening two rounds, the team expanded to three cars, fielding Richard Gonda and Sam Dejonghe. At Imola, the second car was occupied by returnee Varhaug, but he was replaced at Spielberg by Tamás Pál Kiss, who had left Zele Racing. In Austria, Roda won a reverse-grid race, claiming the team’s first victory since 2012. Kiss notched another two wins for the team at the Nürburgring and Estoril. By the end of the year, the team finished as runner-up in the teams' standings.
In 2015, the team signed German Formula Three driver Nikita Zlobin. Additionally, the team took over the management of the Russian Time entry in the GP2 Series, previously handled by iSport International.
On 4 December 2018, it was announced that Virtuosi would replace the outgoing Russian Time outfit in the FIA Formula 2 Championship starting in 2019. The team confirmed Guanyu Zhou as its first driver, with Luca Ghiotto completing the line-up. In its debut season, the team finished second in the Teams' Championship with Ghiotto taking four wins.
For 2020, Zhou stayed on, joined by Callum Ilott. The team repeated its runners-up finish in the Teams' Championship, scoring four victories.
In 2021, Zhou was once again retained, this time partnered by Felipe Drugovich. The team finished second in the Teams' Championship for the third consecutive year, with all four wins scored by Zhou.
Zhou graduated to Formula One with Alfa Romeo in 2022, and his seat was filled by Jack Doohan, while Marino Sato replaced Drugovich. Despite Doohan’s three wins, the team only managed seventh in the Teams' Championship.
Doohan remained for 2023 under the renamed Invicta Virtuosi Racing, joined by Amaury Cordeel. Doohan took three victories, finishing third in the standings, and the team improved to fifth in the Teams' Championship.
In 2024, the team rebranded as Invicta Racing with Gabriel Bortoleto and Kush Maini as the new driver line-up. Bortoleto made history by winning the Monza Feature Race from last on the grid. He secured the Drivers’ Championship at the Abu Dhabi finale, while the team clinched its first FIA Formula 2 Teams’ Championship.
For the 2025 season, Invicta signed reigning FIA Formula 3 Champion Leonardo Fornaroli alongside Roman Staněk, aiming to defend both championships.
Current series results
FIA Formula 2 Championship
| Year | Chassis | Engine | Tyres | Drivers | Races | Wins | Poles | F. Laps | Podiums | D.C. | Pts | T.C. | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Dallara F2 2018 |
Mecachrome V634T V6 t |
P |  Zhou Guanyu
|
22 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 7th | 140 | 2nd | 347 |
| Luca Ghiotto
|
22 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 3rd | 207 | ||||||
| 2020 | Dallara F2 2018 |
Mecachrome V634T V6 t |
P | Zhou Guanyu
|
24 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 6th | 151.5 | 2nd | 352.5 |
 Callum Ilott
|
24 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 2nd | 201 | ||||||
| 2021 | Dallara F2 2018 |
Mecachrome V634T V6 t |
P | Zhou Guanyu
|
22 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 3rd | 183 | 2nd | 288 |
 Felipe Drugovich
|
21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 8th | 105 | ||||||
| 2022 | Dallara F2 2018 |
Mecachrome V634T V6 t |
P |  Jack Doohan
|
28 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 6th | 128 | 7th | 134 |
 Marino Sato
|
28 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 22nd | 6 | ||||||
| 2023 | Dallara F2 2018 |
Mecachrome V634T V6 t |
P | Jack Doohan
|
25 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 3rd | 168 | 5th | 176 |
 Amaury Cordeel
|
26 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20th | 8 | ||||||
| 2024 | Dallara F2 2024 |
Mecachrome V634T V6 t |
P |  Kush Maini
|
28 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 13th | 74 | 1st | 288.5 |
| Gabriel Bortoleto
|
28 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 1st | 214.5 |
In detail
(key)
| Year | Drivers | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | T.C. | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | BHR FEA |
BHR SPR |
BAK FEA |
BAK SPR |
CAT FEA |
CAT SPR |
MCO FEA |
MCO SPR |
LEC FEA |
LEC SPR |
RBR FEA |
RBR SPR |
SIL FEA |
SIL SPR |
HUN FEA |
HUN SPR |
SPA FEA |
SPA SPR |
MNZ FEA |
MNZ SPR |
SOC FEA |
SOC SPR |
YMC FEA |
YMC SPR |
2nd | 347 | |||||
| Zhou Guanyu
|
10F | 4 | Ret | 10 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 3P | 8 | 9 | 9 | C | C | Ret | 4 | 10 | 5 | 3F | 8 | |||||||
| Luca Ghiotto
|
2P | 1 | 9 | RetF | 4P | 2 | DSQ | Ret | Ret | 12 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 15 | 4 | 8 | C | C | 2 | 15 | 4F | 1 | 6 | 1 | |||||||
| 2020 | RBR FEA |
RBR SPR |
RBR FEA |
RBR SPR |
HUN FEA |
HUN SPR |
SIL FEA |
SIL SPR |
SIL FEA |
SIL SPR |
CAT FEA |
CAT SPR |
SPA FEA |
SPA SPR |
MNZ FEA |
MNZ SPR |
MUG FEA |
MUG SPR |
SOC FEA |
SOC SPR |
BHR FEA |
BHR SPR |
BHR FEA |
BHR SPR |
2nd | 352.5 | |||||
| Zhou Guanyu
|
17P F | 14 | 3 | 4 | 10 | 8F | 2F | 9 | 9 | 7 | 3 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 5 | NC | RetF | 5 | 8 | 1 | 14 | 5 | 2 | 4 | |||||||
| Callum Ilott
|
1 | 9 | 5 | 5 | 8P | 2 | 5 | Ret | 1P | 6 | 5P | 8 | 10 | Ret | 6P | 1 | 12 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 2P | 16 | 5 | 10 | |||||||
| 2021 | BHR SP1 |
BHR SP2 |
BHR FEA |
MCO SP1 |
MCO SP2 |
MCO FEA |
BAK SP1 |
BAK SP2 |
BAK FEA |
SIL SP1 |
SIL SP2 |
SIL FEA |
MNZ SP1 |
MNZ SP2 |
MNZ FEA |
SOC SP1 |
SOC SP2 |
SOC FEA |
JED SP1 |
JED SP2 |
JED FEA |
YMC SP1 |
YMC SP2 |
YMC FEA |
2nd | 288 | |||||
| Zhou Guanyu
|
7 | 3 | 1P | 1 | 15 | 5F | 3 | Ret | 13 | Ret | 11 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 2 | DNS | C | 6 | 17 | 8 | 4 | 8 | 1 | 2 | |||||||
| Felipe Drugovich
|
16 | 14 | 9 | 2 | 14 | 3 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 6 | Ret | 17 | 13 | DNS | C | DNS | 4 | 10 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 3 | |||||||
| 2022 | BHR SPR |
BHR FEA |
JED SPR |
JED FEA |
IMO SPR |
IMO FEA |
CAT SPR |
CAT FEA |
MCO SPR |
MCO FEA |
BAK SPR |
BAK FEA |
SIL SPR |
SIL FEA |
RBR SPR |
RBR FEA |
LEC SPR |
LEC FEA |
HUN SPR |
HUN FEA |
SPA SPR |
SPA FEA |
ZAN SPR |
ZAN FEA |
MNZ SPR |
MNZ FEA |
YMC SPR |
YMC FEA |
7th | 134 | |
| Jack Doohan
|
10 | 10P | Ret | 9F | 11 | Ret | 6 | 2P F | 7F | 4 | 11 | 13 | 1 | 9 | 3 | 19F | 4 | 5 | 1 | Ret | 2 | 1 | 9 | Ret | 6 | RetP | 7 | Ret | |||
| Marino Sato
|
16 | 11 | 8 | 17 | 16 | 11 | 17 | 19 | 15 | 10 | 17† | 8 | Ret | 15 | Ret | 16 | 9 | Ret | 15 | 15 | 12 | 15 | 19 | Ret | 11 | 11 | 19 | 15 | |||
| 2023 | BHR SPR |
BHR FEA |
JED SPR |
JED FEA |
ALB SPR |
ALB FEA |
BAK SPR |
BAK FEA |
MCO SPR |
MCO FEA |
CAT SPR |
CAT FEA |
RBR SPR |
RBR FEA |
SIL SPR |
SIL FEA |
HUN SPR |
HUN FEA |
SPA SPR |
SPA FEA |
ZAN SPR |
ZAN FEA |
MNZ SPR |
MNZ FEA |
YMC SPR |
YMC FEA |
5th | 176 | |||
| Jack Doohan
|
11 | 16 | 7 | 2 | Ret | 8 | 17† | 15 | 6F | Ret | 5 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 10 | 1P F | 5 | 1F | 6 | DNS | 9 | 6 | 6 | 1P | |||||
| Amaury Cordeel
|
21 | 15 | 19 | 20 | 12 | 13 | 9 | 19 | Ret | NC | 17 | 19 | 15 | 17 | 16 | Ret | 19 | 21 | Ret | 15 | 16 | 8 | Ret | 8 | 17 | 16 | |||||
| 2024 | BHR SPR |
BHR FEA |
JED SPR |
JED FEA |
ALB SPR |
ALB FEA |
IMO SPR |
IMO FEA |
MCO SPR |
MCO FEA |
CAT SPR |
CAT FEA |
RBR SPR |
RBR FEA |
SIL SPR |
SIL FEA |
HUN SPR |
HUN FEA |
SPA SPR |
SPA FEA |
MNZ SPR |
MNZ FEA |
BAK SPR |
BAK FEA |
LUS SPR |
LUS FEA |
YMC SPR |
YMC FEA |
1st | 288.5 | |
| Kush Maini
|
13 | 7 | 8 | 2P | 3 | 12 | 8 | 14 | Ret | 17 | 2 | 6 | 7 | 17 | 3 | 19 | 1 | 7 | 13 | 15 | 11 | 15F | 9 | DSQ | 20† | 14 | 17 | 12 | |||
| Gabriel Bortoleto
|
6 | 5P | 10 | Ret | Ret | Ret | 6 | 2P | 2 | 8 | 5 | 10 | 4 | 1 | 4 | 6 | 16F | 4 | 10 | 2 | 8 | 1 | 5 | 4F | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
F4 British Championship (Under Virtuosi Name)
| Year | Car | Drivers | Races | Wins | Poles | F/Laps | Points | D.C. | T.C. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Tatuus F4-T421 |  Michael Shin
|
30 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 87 | 11th | 5th |
| Edward Pearson
|
30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 81 | 12th | |||
| 2023 | Tatuus F4-T421 |  Aqil Alibhai
|
30 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 169 | 8th | 6th |
| Douwe Dedecker
|
30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 26 | 21st | |||
| Kai Daryanani
|
29 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 24th | |||
| 2024 | Tatuus F4-T421 |  Martin Molnár
|
30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 117.5 | 8th | 5th |
| Maxwell Dodds
|
26 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 43.5 | 16th | |||
| Yuhao Fu
|
30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 18th |
Timeline
| Current series | |
|---|---|
| FIA Formula 2 Championship | 2017–present |
| F4 British Championship | 2022–present |
| Former series | |
| Auto GP | 2012–2015 |
| GP2 Series | 2015–2016 |
References
- Racing, Invicta Virtuosi (25 February 2023). "Invicta Watch Group & Virtuosi Racing join forces in FIA Formula 2 from 2023 onwards". Virtuosi Racing. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
- White, Megan (20 December 2023). "Invicta Watch Group buys ownership stake in Virtuosi Racing". Autosport. Retrieved 20 December 2023.
- "The Team". Virtuosi Racing. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
- Rubino, Jacopo (5 March 2012). "Pal Varhaug nel primo round di Monza con il team Virtuosi UK" [Pal Varhaug in first round at Monza for team Virtuosi UK]. Stopandgo.tv (in Italian). Stop&Go. Retrieved 5 March 2012.
- "Pentus joins the Series with Virtuosi UK". Auto GP World Series. Auto GP Organization. 27 March 2012. Retrieved 27 March 2012.
- Mills, Peter (13 April 2012). "Sergio Campana leads Marrakech Auto GP practice". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 13 April 2012.
- "Varhaug clinches Race 2 win in Monza". Auto GP World Series. Auto GP Organisation. 11 March 2012. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
- Mills, Peter (6 May 2012). "Paul Varhaug beats Adrian Quaife-Hobbs to win second Hungaroring Auto GP race". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
- "Virtuosi signs Andrea Roda for Auto GP". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. 21 January 2013. Retrieved 21 January 2013.
- Mills, Peter (5 August 2013). "Virtuosi to support new Comtec entry in Auto GP". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
- Khorounzhiy, Valentin (27 January 2014). "Roda stays with Virtuosi for 2014 Auto GP campaign". Paddock Scout. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
- "Auto GP set for opener at Marrakech". Auto GP. Auto GP Organisation. 10 April 2014. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
- "@varhaug: 26 June". Twitter. Twitter Inc. 26 June 2014. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
- "@VirtuosiRacing: 16 July". Twitter. Twitter Inc. 16 July 2014. Retrieved 17 July 2014.
- Watkins, Gary (20 July 2014). "Red Bull Ring Auto GP: Roda takes first win in Virtuosi one-two". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
- David, Gruz (17 August 2014). "Kiss wins as Sato is crowned Auto GP champion". Paddock Scout. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
- Allen, Peter (19 October 2014). "Kiss wins first Estoril Auto GP race to secure runner-up spot". Paddock Scout. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
- Hensby, Paul (27 February 2015). "Virtuosi sign Nikita Zlobin for 2015 Auto GP season". The Checkered Flag. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
- Mills, Peter (18 March 2015). "Virtuosi to run Russian Time GP2 team". Eurosport. Retrieved 18 March 2015.
- "UNI-VIRTUOSI RACING REPLACE RUSSIAN TIME". FIA Formula 2. 4 December 2018. Retrieved 4 December 2018.
- Allen, Peter (5 December 2018). "Guan Yu Zhou steps up to F2 with UNI-Virtuosi". Formula Scout. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
- Horton, Phillip (6 December 2018). "Luca Ghiotto completes UNI-Virtuosi's F2 driver line-up". Motorsport Week. Retrieved 6 December 2018.
- Racing, Virtuosi (28 November 2019). "Impressive Formula 2 rookie Callum Ilott will join the UNI-Virtuosi Racing team for the 2020 season". Virtuosi Racing. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
- Racing, Virtuosi (7 December 2020). "Felipe Drugovich joins UNI-Virtuosi Racing for 2021 F2 season". Virtuosi Racing. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
- "Virtuosi Racing to enter FIA British F4 in 2022". Virtuosi Racing. 20 October 2021. Archived from the original on 21 November 2022. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
- "Virtuosi Racing announce their 2022 F2 line-up". Virtuosi Racing. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
- "Virtuosi Racing confirms Doohan and Cordeel for 2023 F2 season". FIA Formula 2. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
- "Invicta Racing signs Roman Staněk for the 2025 FIA Formula 2 season". Invicta Racing. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
- "F3 champion Fornaroli signs with Invicta for 2025 F2 graduation". Autosport. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
- "F2: Bortoleto wins 2024 Drivers' Title after Hadjar heartbreak". Formula1.com. Retrieved 20 December 2024.