2025 is set to be a major turning point for the team set up by former racing driver, Olivier Panis. Having strengthened ties with its partner VDS, managed by the legendary former bike racer Marc van der Straten, the team will now be known as VDS Panis Racing and has entered one Oreca07-Gibson LMP2 prototype in the European Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Drivers
Charles Milesi
Born on 4 March 2001 in Chaumont, France
After cutting his teeth in karting, Charles Milesi switched to single-seater racing before moving to Endurance in 2020. He quickly performed in the discipline, winning the FIA LMP2 Endurance Trophy in the 2021 FIA WEC, with three wins including at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Alsoc competing as works driver for Alpine Endurance Team in the FIA WEC, he joined the Panis Racing in 2024 and is definitely an asset for the team.
COMPETITIVE RECORD
- 2021: Winner of the FIA LMP2 Endurance Trophy in FIA WEC (wins at 24 Hours of Le Mans and Bahrain)
Esteban Masson
Born on 18 September 2004 in Montreal, Canada
Esteban began his racing career in karting in Quebec before moving to France. Having won the French Junior karting championship in 2019, he moved up to the Senior category and finished fifth in the 2020 IAME Euro Series. He then switched to single-seater racing, winning the 2021 French F4 title. In 2023, he was crowned Eurocup-3 champion. Esteban is set to compete in Endurance racing for the first time this year with VDS Panis Racing.
COMPETITIVE RECORD
- 2023: Eurocup-3 Champion
- 2021: French F2 Champion
Oliver Gray
Born on 28 April 2005 in Woking, United Kingdom
When you come from Woking, it’s hard not to be drawn into the world of motorsport! Oliver Gray began his career in karting before competing in various F4 championships (Italian, UAE and British). His strong performances enabled him to join the Williams Driver Academy for the 2022-2023 season. Following a stint in F3, he decided to switch to Endurance racing in 2024. He will be expecting to hone his skills further with VDS Panis Racing after joining the team for this, his second season in the ELMS.
COMPETITIVE RECORD
- 2022: Runner-up in British F4 championship
The car: ORECA 07-GIBSON No.48
| Engine info | Other info |
|---|---|
TYPE: 4.2-LITRE NORMALLY-ASPIRATED V8 ENGINE POWER OUTPUT: 530hp MAX. ENGINE SPEED: 9,000rpm | CHASSIS: CARBON FIBRE AND HONEYCOMB BODY SHELL WEIGHT: 950kg |
