Communiqués de presse - Blake, Raveel to join Pegaso in season 61

Blake, Raveel to join Pegaso in season 61

Pegaso, Spain's Formula One team, has taken advantage of the final weekend of the season at Yas Marina to announce American Jaxton Blake and Belgian Remco Raveel as their drivers for season 61 of My Racing Career.

Both drivers and their managers are familiar for the team. Blake almost raced for Pegaso in the current season, but after being tempted by a top team, he finally signed for Chevrolet, owned by his manager, FuzzyBanana. On the other hand, Raveel shares manager with Thibau Boutsen (Thisken), who raced five seasons (51-55) with Pegaso. Boutsen is remembered for being a very versatile driver with great skill in the rain, although his best result was a podium in the Spanish Grand Prix of season 53, in dry conditions.


TEAM AND DRIVER STATEMENTS

"We're coming off the most prolific season in our history, with moments we didn't imagine we'd have even though we'd raised the general public's expectations quite a bit over the winter. But the feeling in the team, especially in the second half of the year, is that we were missing something. And that 'something' can be found in both Jaxton and Remco, both of whom I know very well from being part of our Development Programme" - those were the words of nicorz, team manager.

"After what happened last time, the opportunity came back and finally, our paths have crossed. I can't wait to take myself and Pegaso to new heights. Sitting behind the equipment of the Flying Horse is a great pleasure, and I'm really looking forward to competing for podiums and who knows what else" - said Blake, the American driver.

"I'm proud that I can fulfil my dream to drive for Pegaso as my fellow countryman Boutsen did before me. I'm glad to see that Pegaso is just as ambitious as I am in fulfilling my ambitions. I feel that our paths might be passing just at the right time. Hopefully, we can do something special together. Next to that, I'm looking forward to working with the team, and I want to give a special thanks to nicorz for believing in young drivers and working with them from early on in their careers" - was 31-year-old Raveel's closing statement.

As for the details of the deal, Raveel has signed a multi-year contract of undetermined length, while Blake will only race for season 61 and then return to Chevrolet. Asked about the names of the latter's successor, nicorz anticipated that the decision will be between Jan Bonmatí, from Spain, and John Cannon, from Canada.


ABOUT THE DRIVERS

Jaxton Blake becomes the second American driver in Pegaso's history, only after Philip Goldberg III. Despite having achieved great results throughout his career, his sole outright win in a series is the Porsche Supercup from season 57. Nonetheless, he was runner-up in the World Prototype Series twice, as well as the winner of the 20th edition of the Open Series by Pegaso. Season 60 was his debut in Formula 1, where he is currently placed 11th with 78 points with one race to go, being characterised by his consistency (19 out of 23 GPs in the points).

On the other hand, Remco Raveel made his debut as a rally driver in season 47 (just like Alberto Puig did), where he won the WRS Junior before moving to NASC Silver in season 51. His career has primarily developed in stock cars, winning the NASC Gold series in season 58. He is currently competing in IndyCar, where he is in second place. He is the last winner of the Indianapolis 500, winning it on his first attempt.