Team Principal Harry Westwood has announced that their team's engine supplier Peugeot has bought out the team for next season as we approach Peugeot's home race. It has been confirmed that Peugeot then will officially enter a team in Formula Virtual for the first time in 8 years, following an event celebrating the upcoming French V-Prix, with representatives from Westwood and Peugeot being present. The French outfit is no stranger to success in FV, winning a race in their only season as a team at the Spanish V-Prix. They will surely look to hit the same heights again upon their return. What we know right now is we can definitely still expect to see Harry Westwood in the paddock and a classic Westwood flair, as well as the name 'Westwood' will still be integrated into the team in some way. As for this season, the team will continue on as they are for the time being. Peugeot Virtual Motorsport Director Jean-Pierre Polnareff was among the first to comment: "Merci to you all for coming! It's such a huge pleasure to make this announcement. We initially wanted to dive in this season, but we elected to hold back and see what was already in place at this team. In spite of the unfortunate run of form the team is enduring, we were satisfied and decided to initiate the takeover. It's very exciting to head the return to Formula Virtual, and we're glad we'll still be able to work with Harry and the foundations they've put in place. I'm sure they'll be more excited to show you than I am, but we also put together a little surprise to go with this announcement." We also got comment from newly appointed Deputy Team Principal Phillip Dohm: "Obviously it's very Nice to announce that we will go Works Team in 2023 with out Partner Peugeot, but it's topped off with the Fact we can do it here in France. It creation a bit of a Special Atmosphere for the Team on top of it being my first Race Weekend with the Team." It was immediately confirmed that Harry Westwood will remain as Team Principal, running the team with the support of Peugeot: "Wow, honestly we've been sitting on this for a couple races while we cross the I's and dot the T's and it feels so good to announce it to the world. Once again, thankyou all for being here to share this moment in our history - it's a dream come true really to work closely with Peugeot - I've always loved their brand and their cars. My dad owned a Peugeot, I've owned four, it's a real soft spot of mine - just hoping for a 508 PSE as a company car now! But in all seriousness, this is a huge opportunity. Upon coming back, it's no secret that we've struggled for funding and direction - we landed on our feet with Porsche in 2020 but we've been slightly wayward since and we all believe Peugeot know the way forward. They are keen to get behind this in a way that just gets you feeling giddy like a kid all over again. So I'll wrap up by saying this - this takeover should be regarded as a statement of intent from Westwood and Peugeot. We're keen to make the big boys nervous - we will prove that we are absolutely and undoubtedly Lions of Our Time." It was then that two Formula Virtual cars emerged on platforms from underneath the stage still under wraps, and put front and centre at this event. Harry continued: "Folks, please believe me when I say it is my absolute pleasure to reveal this special livery we'll be running at this year's French V-Prix - it's been incredibly exciting to watch the process come together, and you are all the very first to see the colours we'll be running in - massive thanks to the design team and to Jean-Pierre for organising this and allowing us to use this special livery! I hope you love it as much as I do! Enjoy the view, and of course the refreshments that will be available all evening."
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