Tristan Gommendy to pilot 2nd PKV car
Gommendy, who will pilot the #22 PKV Racing Cosworth/Panoz/Bridgestone machine, spent the 2006 season driving in GP2 and the World Series by Renault. The 27-year-old native of France started nine GP2 events for iSport International last year and four for Pons Racing in the World Series by Renault, earning one pole and one podium.
“We are very pleased to have Tristan join PKV Racing," said PKV Racing co-owner Jimmy Vasser. “Tristan is an experienced driver who has enjoyed success in European open wheel racing. I think he will be an excellent addition to our team and with Neel Jani provide PKV Racing with a very competitive pair of drivers. As with Neel, I look forward to helping Tristan through the learning curve during his inaugural Champ Car season."
Gommendy began racing cars in 2001 driving in the Formula 3 France series where he started 11 races earning a pole and two podium finishes in route a sixth place finish in the championship. He also ran four other selected Formula 3 events worldwide including the F3 Korea Super Prix where he finished 10th. In 2002, Gommendy had an outstanding season taking the Formula 3 France championship with five wins, 10 poles and 10 podiums in 14 races. He also captured the Formula 3 Macau GP and finished third at the Masters of Formula 3. Moving to Formula Renault V6 Eurocup in 2003, Gommendy placed fourth in the championship with one win, three poles and eight podiums in 18 races. In 2004, he joined the Formula Nissan World Series and placed fifth with five podiums in 16 races. The 2005 season saw Gommendy run the World Series by Renault where he finished fourth with one win, one pole and 15 podiums in 17 races.
Commenting on his move to the Champ Car World Series and PKV Racing, Gommendy said, “This is a great opportunity for me. I am looking forward to joining PKV Racing and competing in Champ Cars. I think Neel and I will be good teammates and I am looking forward to a competitive season."
Gommendy will test a Champ Car for the first time beginning tomorrow during the Champ Car World Series Spring Training, March 9-10, at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California. PKV Racing
03/08/07 PKV Racing announced today that 27-year old Tristan Gommendy from France will pilot the No. 22 Gulfstream PKV Racing Champ Car in 2007. Gommendy drove for iSport in the GP2 Series in 2006. He will get to drive a Champ Car for the first time tomorrow. Full story to follow.