February 28, 2025

 

The 2025 GPVWC Formula Sprint 1 season is fast approaching, and teams took to Fuji Speedway for pre-season testing to get their first true measure of the competition.
With a mix of returning frontrunners, new teams, and promising rookies, the test provided an early look at the pecking order as drivers pushed their limits in preparation for the upcoming season.

Lucas Thylin Leads the Way

KKR's Lucas Thylin topped the timesheets with a blistering 1:18.126, setting the standard for the rest of the grid. His performance reaffirmed KKR's strong form from last season, showing that the team has both speed and consistency heading into 2025.

However, the margins were razor-thin, with Scott Flack (OverPower Racing) just 0.005s behind and Raymond van Soest (MS Performance) 0.011s adrift in third. The top five were separated by less than a quarter of a second, indicating that this season could see some of the closest battles in recent FS1 history.

The Battle at the Top

Several teams made strong impressions during the test:

MS Performance - After a stellar rookie season in 2024, MS Performance looks to be among the top contenders again. Raymond van Soest finished in P3, with teammate Wesley Stefano in P12, showing that the team has retained its competitive edge.

OverPower Racing - With Scott Flack securing P2, OverPower looks poised for a strong campaign. Flack?s rapid short-run pace and consistency suggest he could be a genuine title challenger.

Malta Force - FS1 veterans Malta Force remain a force to be reckoned with. Jason Muscat (P4) and Pawel Andrzejewski (P21) logged extensive mileage, with Muscat showing strong one-lap pace. Expect them to be fighting at the front once again.

Apex GP and Zero-One - Both newly promoted teams from FS2 showed they belong at this level. Jasse Lahtinen (Apex GP) finished P6, while Tom Lafont (Zero-One) secured P5. Their performances suggest they won't just be here to make up the numbers.

The Midfield Battle: Unpredictability at its Finest

While the top teams appear to have an early advantage, the midfield is shaping up to be highly competitive.

Grifone Racing - Philipp Konig (P7) led the charge for the Italian squad, showing solid pace in the crowded midfield.

HGP - Frank Hamming (P8) and Vin Glenn (P15) gave HGP an encouraging start to testing, with Hamming's experience proving valuable in extracting consistent lap times.

Hyperion Esports - Mateusz Ziubinski (P13) and Kacper Michalak (P18) both put in strong performances. Hyperion seems well-positioned to fight for points in 2025.

LEF Auto Racing - A brand-new team led by Lorenzo Eterovic-Funcic, LEF had Domenico Scarpelli and Alexander Gonzalez-Greene logging valuable track time. Though not at the front, their consistency and setup work could pay off once the season begins.

Rookies and New Faces

This year sees a fresh influx of talent, with several drivers making their FS1 debuts.

Menno Klont (KKR) - Klont makes the switch from Malta Force, taking on a new challenge at KKR. His P14 finish in testing suggests he is still adjusting, but with time, he could be a consistent points scorer.

Oliver Taras (Apex GP) - Another FS2 graduate, Taras finished P10, proving that he can hold his own against more experienced competitors.

Lorenzo De Ciutiis (Shiba GP) ? Making a return to GPVWC after several years away, De Ciutiis will be looking to re-establish himself in FS1.

Looking Ahead: The Season Begins

With Melbourne?s season opener just weeks away, teams now face the task of fine-tuning setups and optimizing strategies. While testing provides an early snapshot of who?s fast, race conditions will tell the full story.

Next Stop: Round 1 - Melbourne, Australia

Will Thylin maintain his pace under race conditions, or can Flack, van Soest, and Muscat take the fight to him?