In 2025, Vortex will enter a new dimension. Ten years after the presentation of version 1.0, the French manufacturer will have its own ranking, called Ultimate Vortex Challenge, in the Ultimate GT Endurance Cup, with six 2.0s on track.
Since the creation of the Ultimate Cup European Series in 2019, Vortex has been a major partner of the championship. Always loyal to the category, the Hérault-based manufacturer first brought its 1.0 version to the track. In 2024, the Vortex 2.0 made its appearance on the track. After the first year of development, we wanted to take the project to the next level," says Philippe Bonnel. We got the idea for this challenge from Vincent Vigier. We wanted the Ultimate and Vortex brands to be associated, and we're proud to present the Ultimate Vortex Challenge. "
Launched in 2015, Vortex will celebrate its tenth anniversary next season. A symbolic nod that the head of communications hadn't even considered: " To be honest, I hadn't thought about it! (Laughs) I hadn't looked at the anniversary calendar yet, but there's bound to be something to celebrate. "
Vortex will have customer teams
Known as much as a manufacturer as a racing team, Vortex will be offering its cars to outside customers for the first time in its history. " The idea is to bring in teams with 2.0s and get other drivers, in addition to our own, to drive Vortex cars.
In 2025, the Ultimate Vortex Challenge will feature six cars, divided between several entities. Vortex will, of course, remain present in a double capacity: " We'll still be present in the Ultimate Cup European Series as a team. The other teams will manage all the cars. We will provide the necessary customer service with our spare parts truck at their disposal. The aim is to add 3 to 4 cars in subsequent seasons. " Behind the scenes, everything is being prepared this winter. In addition to building the new 2.0s, the team will be on track in early January for the 24H Dubai and the 6H Abu Dhabi.
Pilot test candidates
At the 2024 Ultimate Cup European Series season finale at the Circuit Paul Ricard, Philippe Bonnel confided that several drivers had already enquired about the project. A few weeks later, his phone continues to ring. " We now have around fifteen applications. This is the result of Arnaud and Olivier Gomez's victory at Magny-Cours and their fine second place at Mugello. There's also the presence of Sébastien Loeb at Le Castellet, who's been very good at communicating with us. Sébastien liked the car and wants to come back. All this contributes to the interest of people who are asking us a lot of questions about 2025. "
To be fully aware of what lies ahead, Vortex organizes test sessions with drivers wishing to sign up full-time. " The aim is twofold: for them to try out the car to see if they feel comfortable in it, and for them to know what to expect before they sign up. " The manufacturer's historic drivers will be joined by newcomers to make up the various crews.