Venturi FE team launches young driver scheme 

The Venturi Formula E team has a launched a new young driver programme, which includes the younger brother of Sauber Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc. 

Venturi Next Gen has been set up by the Monaco-based carmaker in a bid to help young drivers progress through electric-based motorsport series to the top echelon of Formula E. 

2018 French Formula 4 driver Arthur Leclerc - who is reigning Formula 2 champion Charles Leclerc’s younger brother - has been selected for the scheme, alongside GP3 race-winner Dorian Boccolacci, French F4 racer Pierre-Louis Chovet, karters Louis Iglesias and Benjamin Cartery, as well as eSports champions Maxime Pain, Kevin Laeune and Gaetan Goarant. 

The eight selected drivers will be given access to Venturi’s Formula E simulator at its Monaco base, where they will also receive physical training and guidance on electric vehicles. The drivers will also be provided with the opportunity to drive an Formula E car at a later stage.

"We want to help those with talent but who haven't always had the means to get started," Venturi president Gildo Pastor said.

"We have often given youth a chance in the past. For example, the Venturi Formula E team development driver, Michael Benyahia, is just 17. For me, it was the logical next step to continue betting on youth by creating Venturi Next Gen.

"We [also] want to build bridges between eSports and reality, as I'm convinced there are budding talents among gamers."