The 2021 Brazilian V-Prix, due to be held next weekend, will see the end of the illustrious career of Elroy Wagner. The 2015 Formula Virtual World Champion announced his retirement from the sport earlier in the year and will thus end his nine year career at the top of virtual motorsport. Elroy Wagner begun his Formula Virtual career in 2013, the debut year of the series, for Team 23. The German was embroiled in a world title fight from the get go but ultimately settled for third place behind eventual champion Nathaniel Powers and second placed Jean Mattson, whom the latter was his teammate at the time. Despite this and some inconsistencies throughout 2013, Wagner proved he could be a champion of the future as he continuously displayed impressive raw speed and smart race craft. His second season in 2014 was a more difficult one for the German. The Team 23 car of 2014 was not as quick as it's predecessor, and so the German had to make do with the machinery he had at his disposal. Despite the cars lack of pace, Wagner managed to score points on numerous occasions. Arguably the most impressive drive of the year came at a rain soaked Belgian V-Prix in the hands of Wagner. The German having started sixth on the grid drove a sensational race mixing it with the front runners and amongst that produced an unbelievable overtake through Eau Rogue, in the wet. Wagner ended up finishing in second place and only ten seconds off the eventual race winner. This was the only podium of the year for Wagner, but even so the German reminded the rest of the grid of what he was made of. Franklin who were world champions at the time were quick to sign Wagner to partner Enrique Ruiz for the 2015 season. The Franklin car of 2015 was the class of the field and this was to be the big break Wagner was looking for. His teammate suffered from many reliability issues and so the German capitalized, winning three races and taking multiple podiums. Even though Enrique Ruiz lost many points due to bad luck, nothing could be taken away from the German as he was very close to his teammates pace and often matching it - especially impressive against a man who is considered the fastest driver in Formula Virtual history. Elroy Wagner's dream came true at that years Chinese V-Prix as he crossed the line to become a Formula Virtual World Champion. The whole of Germany erupted with glee - Elroy Wagner was the 2015 Drivers World Champion. The 2016 season wasn't filled with as much glory, but Wagner did claim three wins on the trot at the close of the season. These three wins were the only ones Franklin received that year. Elroy Wagner moved to Lopez for the 2017 season and has been with the Swiss team since. The 2015 World Champion hasn't seen much success in these recent years, however he has saved his best Lopez season for last, as he claimed a pole position in this years season opening Japanese V-Prix and a podium and fastest lap at the French V-Prix. Currently sitting tenth in the drivers championship, Wagner has taken points on many occasions and has been regarded as being instrumental in the recent success of Lopez. In any case this already has been the best season Wagner has had in a long while and he looks to end his career with his head held high. Nic Morley made a statement on his thoughts of the departing Elroy Wagner. "Elroy Wagner is a sensational driver and I would say up with the very best. He is a world champion and a worthy one. I knew back in 2013 he had what it takes to take out the ultimate prize - his raw speed amazed me. I still believe he has a lot left to offer the sport, but I respect his decision to step away and spend more time with his family. He has had a wonderful career in Formula Virtual and he should be very proud of his accomplishments in the sport. In two weeks time Formula Virtual will say farewell to a world champion, an incredibly talented driver, and a genuinely nice guy - I hope and am confident he will receive the farewell a great name of Formula Virtual deserves. It's been a privilege to watch Elroy race and I wish him the very best for his final race and of course his future", said Nic Morley Elroy Wagner has one race to go in his nine year Formula Virtual career.
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