Charles Pic has completed a takeover of DAMS which brings a 34-year ownership of the Driot family to an end.
DAMS was founded in 1988 by Jean-Paul Driot who ran the team until his death in 2019, with his two sons, Olivier and Gregory Driot taking over as Co-Team Principals to continue their father’s legacy.
During that time, DAMS have claimed 15 driver titles, 16 team championships and 168 race victories across multiple series.
Olivier and Gregory however have decided to accept an offer from close family friend and ex F1 driver, Pic who drove for Marussia and Caterham between 2012-13, with an official statement stating ‘that this was perfect for the long-term future of DAMS.’
DAMS’ statement went on to state that Pic shares the same vision of the team and has a great understanding of ‘the importance of its history, and is a firm believer in giving young aspiring drivers the best opportunity to achieve their dreams in the pinnacle of motorsport.’
Gregory and Olivier also iterated that DAMS wasn’t for sale and the decision to sell to Pic stemmed from “historical connections” between both families, as well as conclusion of discussions which they believe will “help maintain DAMS’ successful legacy.”
The Driot brothers also insisted that this deal secures the future of DAMS’ employees moving forward as the world continues to battle the Coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking about his new project, Pic said: “I wanted to build something with DAMS and I do have a real hunger to develop a great sporting project.
“I am enthusiastic about finding and helping young talents on their journey to Formula 1. The desire for motorsport has never left me.”
Pic also confirmed that he won’t have an operational role within the team but instead is focusing on their “long-term strategy” and offering the benefits of his experiences as a F1 driver to what he described as a “proven group of people within the team, which is very well structured.”
Pic however will attend race weekends but insists that the team will continue to be “always independent and autonomous” in its operation like under the Driot family, with no name change or facilities move from Le-Mans planned.
DAMS have also confirmed that Roy Nissany and Ayumu Iwasa will continue to drive for the team this season, despite the change of ownership, with team personnel remaining in place with Managing Director, Francois Sicard and Chief Engineer – Rémi Decorzent.
The team will continue to participate in F2 and Formula E moving forward with no further series additions planned.
F2 CEO, Bruno Michel meanwhile has paid tribute to the Driot family for their running of DAMS as he applauded the success of the team under Jean-Paul then Gregory and Olivier.
Michel also is “glad” to see ex GP2 driver, Pic taking over as he spoke of the Frenchman’s ability to share “the same passion for the sport” which the Driot family showed for over 30 years.
On Pic’s ambitions, Michel was impressed by his vision as he commented: “His desire to be involved in Formula 2 has been well thought out, and his project for DAMS is aligned with the team’s thirst for success.
“The team has been and remains a driving force on our Formula 2 grid, with a lot of success and a knowledgeable group of people working hard to get back to the top of the field.”
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