Just after Friday practice of the Slovakian V-Prix - in which Phoenix Motorsport driver Sergio Alvarez stunned the paddock by setting the eighth fastest time - Phoenix team principal Alex Easton revealed that the former Westwood Renault Sport loanee will remain at the Manchester based Formula Virtual outfit next season. Both Easton and Alvarez were available for comment. Easton; “I don’t know how he’s gone that quick today to be honest with you, we were all gobsmacked. I think it was a case of everything coming together for him on that lap; clear track and absolutely nailed it. But yeah, it gives me great pleasure to be able to say that Sergio will be staying with us for at least another season, at times this year it’s been difficult to tell that he’s a rookie as he’s both attacked and defended like a seasoned pro! He fully deserves to be here in Formula Virtual, no doubt about it. Originally – whilst we were discussing a contract with him for 2019 – we were actually going to delay things until closer to the end of the season, but Sergio made it clear to us that he’d much rather continue here at little old Phoenix than try to angle for a move up the grid. He’s a great lad and the team all love him, so we thought it was a no brainer to just confirm him for next year as soon as we sorted the contract stuff out. It would’ve been pointless to leave it later, plus we feel that he’ll really be able to just focus on his driving now that that’s all dealt with. As for who will partner him here next year; you’ll all be hearing about that in the not-too-distant future!” Alvarez gave his take on the announcement; “Very happy with this, yes. Happy that we have announced this so early, this gives me great chance to… prepare for next season already! I am thanking Alex for the opportunity he and this team have gave to me, and also Harry (Westwood) for speaking with Alex… before this year, to allow me to race Formula Virtual. I’m also excited to stay here in Phoenix, especially as we had a recent announcement about joining DS Automobiles next season and working close with Downton and Lopez teams. I cannot wait to see the future in store for the partnership, very exciting times!” The Argentine currently has three points from his first nine races in Formula Virtual; two of those coming from the V-Prix in Malaysia where he retired from fourth place, with just metres to go. The other point came last time out in Germany, where he displayed great defensive abilities to hold off former World Champion Elroy Wagner’s Lopez before coming under pressure late on from Judson Sikes in the North Star. Comments are closed.
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