After his successes in Formula 4, Victor Bernier wants to continue his ascent
World Karting Champion in 2018 and French F4 Junior Champion in 2019, Victor Bernier has just experienced a remarkable season in ADAC F4 with a total of six podiums including two victories. In Germany, the 16 year old driver discovered a very professional environment within the R-ace GP team. Determined and ambitious, more than ever he appears as one of the great French hopes. Ready to climb even higher in the hierarchy of international motorsport, Victor Bernier is already looking forward to 2021.
With his single-seater Tatuus equipped with an Abarth turbo engine developing more than 160 horsepower and an ultra-light weight of 570 kg, the German Formula 4 Championship is one of the toughest competitions in Europe. Around twenty apprentice champions take part every year in it in top-level teams. "Taking part in this competition this season has enabled me to experience a really positive sporting adventure," Victor admits. "German F4 is a bit like the F1 of the motor sport entry-level categories. The team intensely involves the driver to encourage his progress in all aspects: a dedicated engineer for each car, constant briefings, very thorough data acquisition analysis and in-depth race strategy. At the level of adjustments, it is possible to change several parameters, such as aerodynamics or ride height. You have to learn to describe your sensations at the wheel as precisely as possible. Outside of the races, the R-ace GP team organised numerous test sessions, which resulted in a lot of driving. I really think I have passed a milestone this season."
13 Top Five Finishes in 2020
From Hockenheim to the Red Bull Ring, via the Nürburgring and many other circuits that have made the history of German motorsport, Victor Bernier has been on the rise throughout his first season on the other side of the Rhine. "I had to face several drivers who were repeating in this Championship and who had experience in the car and on the circuits. I had to get my bearings in the R-ace GP team and I lost some precious points in the first races. Sometimes I also lacked success, at the Nürburgring for example, not to mention some unfortunate crashes at the start. It should also be noted that in two meetings, some competitors from the Italian F4 Championship joined the ADAC field. The podium was then even more difficult to reach."
In this particularly difficult context, Victor finished the year on a high. He particularly stood out during the last three meetings, showing himself to be the second best performer, scoring more points than the 2020 champion during this period. "The two victories in Hockenheim and the Lausitzring remain wonderful memories, each time with a high level of performance."
Aiming even higher in 2021
During the races held in the rain, one of his specialities, Victor Bernier was often the fastest on the track, confirming his talent in all conditions. "It's a pity that I lost some points in the Nürburgring race, where I had been competitive. I probably lost the overall podium of the Championship there. 5th place overall with no less than six podiums remains an excellent result behind several more experienced drivers. I warmly thank my R-ace GP team, Vigus'b for their help, Bertrand Pechon for his coaching, Stéphane Guérin for the support and all those who support me."
Victor Bernier now wishes to look to the future... "The European Formula Regional and the Eurocup Formula Renault will merge from 2021, to give birth to a high level single-seater championship that will be the link between F4 and F3. It would be an ideal solution to continue my career. I'm ready to take part in the first tests and look at any proposals for next year. More than ever, I am looking for partners to help me reach this new stage in my career.”