PREMA Racing Overview
PREMA Racing, founded in 1983 and based in Grisignano di Zocco, Veneto, Italy, is a prominent Italian motorsport team competing in various junior formula championships and the IndyCar Series starting in 2025. Owned and operated through the DC Racing Solutions parent company, PREMA has established itself as a key talent development hub for several Formula 1 junior programs. The team has expanded its racing portfolio to include endurance racing, participating in the FIA World Endurance Championship and European Le Mans Series since 2022. PREMA is also affiliated with sister teams Iron Lynx and Iron Dames, fielding 29 drivers across multiple championships in 2025.
Founding and Organizational Origins
PREMA Racing was founded in 1983 by Angelo Rosin and Giorgio Piccolo with the goal of competing in Italian motorsport championships. The team quickly established its base in Grisignano di Zocco, Italy, where it developed its operational infrastructure and racing shop. From its inception, PREMA focused on nurturing young driving talent and building a competitive racing program in the Italian Formula 3 Championship, which became its primary arena in the early years. The founders aimed to create a professional environment that could support drivers progressing through the ranks of motorsport.
Growth Into Junior Formula Competition
PREMA Racing expanded its operations beyond national competitions by entering international events such as the Macau Grand Prix starting in 1988. The team progressively broadened its presence in various junior formula series, including Formula Renault and Formula 3 Euro Series, achieving significant success. PREMA became a recognized feeder team for Formula 1 academies, aligning with programs from Toyota, Renault, Ferrari, Mercedes, Red Bull, and Williams. This growth involved strategic hires, technical partnerships, and expanding its driver development programs to compete at higher levels and in multiple racing categories.
PREMA Racing Competitive Journey
PREMA Racing’s competitive journey spans from national Italian Formula 3 championships to international junior formula series and endurance racing. The team has consistently developed drivers who progressed to Formula 1, while also expanding into new racing disciplines such as the FIA World Endurance Championship and the IndyCar Series.
Early Seasons and Development (1983–2000)
PREMA began competing in the Italian Formula 3 Championship in 1984, quickly establishing itself as a competitive team. Early notable drivers included Fabrizio Giovanardi, Rinaldo Capello, and Jacques Villeneuve, who later achieved significant success in touring cars, endurance racing, and Formula 1 respectively. The team secured multiple Italian Formula 3 titles during the 1990s, including championships with Roberto Colciago in 1990 and Donny Crevels in 1998. PREMA also made a brief appearance in the International Formula 3000 Championship during this period.
Breakthrough in Junior Formula Series (2000–2015)
In 2000, PREMA entered the modern Formula Renault series, winning the Formula Renault 2000 Eurocup Team Championship and the Italian Formula Renault 2000 championship with Ryan Briscoe in 2001. The team continued to achieve success with drivers like Kamui Kobayashi, who won the Italian Formula Renault 2000 Championship in 2005. PREMA joined the Formula 3 Euro Series in 2003, winning the inaugural title with Ryan Briscoe. After some challenging years, the team rebounded by winning the 2011 and 2012 championships with Roberto Mehri and Daniel Juncadella. PREMA dominated the FIA Formula 3 European Championship from 2011 to 2018, securing all team titles and nearly all driver championships, producing future Formula 1 drivers such as Esteban Ocon, Lance Stroll, and Mick Schumacher.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2016–Present)
PREMA expanded its scope by competing in the GP2 Series in 2016, finishing first and second in its debut season with Pierre Gasly and Antonio Giovinazzi. The team continued its dominance in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, with Charles Leclerc winning the title in 2017. PREMA also fields drivers in the FIA Formula 3 Championship and Italian Formula 4, maintaining strong performances. In 2022, the team entered endurance racing with participation in the FIA World Endurance Championship and European Le Mans Series. PREMA confirmed its entry into the IndyCar Series for the 2025 season, partnering with Chevrolet and fielding drivers Callum Ilott and Robert Shwartzman. Shwartzman secured PREMA’s first IndyCar pole position at the 2025 Indianapolis 500, becoming the first rookie to do so since 1983.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
PREMA Racing’s core identity centers on developing young talent through a comprehensive and structured racing ladder. The team excels in junior formula categories, combining technical expertise, strategic race management, and strong driver development programs. PREMA’s approach emphasizes consistency, adaptability, and nurturing drivers capable of progressing to the highest levels of motorsport.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
PREMA’s first major successes came with multiple Italian Formula 3 titles in the 1990s. The team’s dominance in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship between 2011 and 2018 marked a historic period, producing several future Formula 1 drivers. The 2017 FIA Formula 2 Championship title with Charles Leclerc was a significant breakthrough. PREMA’s entry into endurance racing in 2022 and the IndyCar Series in 2025 represent major expansions. The first IndyCar pole position at the 2025 Indianapolis 500 with Robert Shwartzman stands as a landmark achievement.
PREMA Racing Achievements and Results
PREMA Racing has accumulated numerous wins and championships across junior formula series, establishing itself as one of the most successful teams in European motorsport development. The team’s achievements include multiple team and driver championships in Formula 3 and Formula 2, as well as landmark victories in prestigious events like the Macau Grand Prix.
Junior Formula Achievements
PREMA has won numerous Italian Formula 3 Championships, including titles in 1990, 1998, and 1999. The team secured the Formula Renault 2000 Eurocup Team Championship in 2001 and dominated the Formula 3 Euro Series and FIA Formula 3 European Championship with multiple team and driver titles from 2011 to 2018. PREMA drivers have won the FIA Formula 2 Championship, including Charles Leclerc in 2017 and Mick Schumacher in 2020.
Endurance and IndyCar Achievements
PREMA expanded into endurance racing in 2022, competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship and European Le Mans Series. In 2025, PREMA entered the IndyCar Series, achieving its first pole position at the Indianapolis 500 with rookie Robert Shwartzman. This milestone marked the team’s successful transition into top-level American open-wheel racing and highlighted its competitive potential in new disciplines.
