Originally from the French Riviera, Louis Schlesser will compete in the 2027 Sprint Cup Proto Super Challenge season driving a Funyo SP05 EVO. At 20 years old, the son of Jean-Louis Schlesser is joining the team founded by Philippe Bianchi and Franck Lagorce, with the objective of continuing his progression towards endurance racing.
The Bianchi Lagorce Racing Team has found its first driver. Louis Schlesser will take part in the 2027 Sprint Cup Proto Super Challenge season, driving a Funyo SP05 EVO. The car, unveiled on October 2 at the Paul Ricard Circuit at the opening of the 11th Jules Bianchi Karting Marathon, will carry the colors of the Jules Bianchi Association and Richard Mille.
At 20 years old, the Riviera-based driver is joining a structure created by Philippe Bianchi and Franck Lagorce to support young talent in their progression to the highest level. The project also plans the arrival of a second driver, designated following the first edition of the Jules Bianchi Scholarship, organized from November 3 to 6, 2026.
Two seasons in Formula 4 before prototypes
Son of Jean-Louis Schlesser, two-time World Champion of Sport-Prototypes in 1989 and 1990 and two-time Dakar winner in 1999 and 2000, Louis Schlesser is pursuing his own racing career. The young driver began in single-seaters in 2023, with a first season in the French F4 Championship with the FFSA Academy. He finished 15th in the overall standings, notably with a fourth place finish in the streets of Pau and two top 10 finishes at Misano.
A second season in Formula 4, in 2024, allowed him to continue his technical and mental progression. His comebacks during races notably caught attention, with several gains of more than five positions.
After testing the Funyo SP05 EVO, Louis Schlesser is now preparing to discover prototype racing. « I have already driven the Funyo during testing and I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel in competition. Bearing the Schlesser name alongside the Bianchi and Lagorce names is an asset and additional pressure: people obviously expect something from me, and that’s what drives me. Joining the Bianchi Lagorce Racing Team means learning alongside two people who know the very highest level and building my career towards endurance racing. »
The 2027 season should allow him to take a new step in his training. Designed by French manufacturer Funyo Racing, based in the Sarthe since 1999, the SP05 EVO is the prototype used in Sprint Cup Proto Super Challenge. Equipped with a 270 horsepower engine, a steel tubular chassis and a Sadev sequential gearbox, the car weighs 670 kg. The FFSA single-make championship is a training stage for drivers wishing to progress to endurance racing and prototypes.
A second driver awaited after the Jules Bianchi Scholarship
The Bianchi Lagorce Racing Team also intends to give another young driver a chance. From November 3 to 6, 2026, the first Jules Bianchi Scholarship will bring together up to 30 candidates aged 16 to 21 for four days of immersive training. The circuit and cars will be revealed at the last moment, to place participants in identical conditions.
The program includes track sessions, media training, sports and activities around automotive culture. At the end of the stage, only one winner will be selected. The prize includes a complete season in Funyo Sprint Cup 2027, with six meetings and 24 starts with the Bianchi Lagorce Racing Team, for an announced value of 90,000 euros. Registration fees for the Scholarship are 5,950 euros excluding taxes.
Philippe Bianchi, father of Jules Bianchi and team manager, presents this approach as support towards competition. « Our role is to mentor young people and give them a framework to progress. Louis has the talent and the desire, it’s up to us to provide him with the structure, discipline and support to take each step. That’s exactly the spirit of the Jules Bianchi Scholarship and our team. »
Franck Lagorce, sporting director, intends to share his experience gained in Formula 1 and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. « What I can bring to Louis is the sharing of experience: F1, Le Mans, the mistakes I’ve made and those we can help him avoid. A 20-year-old driver needs to be spoken to honestly, both on and off the track. With Philippe, we want a team where young people learn quickly and well. »
The Jules Bianchi Association is an official partner of Funyo Racing and the Sprint Cup Proto Super Challenge since the start of the 2026 season. The sporting project reflects the desire of Philippe Bianchi and Franck Lagorce to train new drivers and open a path for them towards endurance racing.
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