Partnership with E-Motion x The Grid
The Volant ELF: Where It All Began
There was a time when the dream of becoming a professional racing driver had a name: Volant ELF. From 1971 to 1994, this legendary talent-scouting competition, held at the Castellet circuit, launched the careers of some of France’s greatest motorsport icons. Backed by ELF, winners were awarded a full season in Formula Renault—an extraordinary opportunity for young drivers.
Names like Patrick Tambay, Didier Pironi, and Érik Comas all emerged from this program before making their mark in Formula 1. More than just a contest, Volant ELF was a symbol of performance, equal opportunity, and innovation—values that still define ELF today.
E-Motion: A New Generation of Talent
Fast forward to today, and the spirit of Volant ELF lives on through E-Motion, a cutting-edge racing simulation center in the heart of Paris. With 42 professional-grade simulators spread across 650 square meters, E-Motion is the largest facility of its kind in Europe. Here, racing isn’t just simulated—it’s experienced.
Founded by Édouard Schumacher (Car Lovers) and Louis Perrot, a former sim racer turned Porsche driver, E-Motion is built on a powerful belief: talent should outweigh financial means. With simulators developed by LP Simu, the Perrot family’s company, the driving experience is so realistic it’s used by professional racing teams.
“Motorsport is too expensive. With E-Motion, we want to build a sustainable model so young talent isn’t held back by budget.” — Édouard Schumacher
And E-Motion is just getting started. With plans to expand across France and Europe, the goal is clear: to become the go-to hub for accessible, high-performance sim racing.
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The Grid: Reinventing the Volant ELF
The Grid Racing is E-Motion’s competitive arm—a Sim Racing championship open to all, inspired directly by the legacy of Volant ELF. Its mission? To identify the best virtual drivers and give them a shot at real-world racing.
Regular competitions throughout the year
National finals and real circuit events
A real pathway to motorsport for top sim racers
The championship’s first round was held at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, officially launching the Volant ELF by The Grid—a modern revival of the original program, adapted for the digital age.
A Shared Vision, A Renewed Commitment
By supporting The Grid by E-Motion, ELF reconnects with its heritage while embracing the future. This partnership is more than a sponsorship—it’s a statement. One that says passion, inclusivity, and innovation are the driving forces of tomorrow’s motorsport.
