British-based Virtuosi Racing has announced the team will be rebranded as Invicta Virtuosi Racing from 2023 onwards.
Formula 2 team Virtuosi Racing has announced a multi-year partnership with Invicta Watch Group in a bid to boost the profiles of both companies. The partnership will commence on Friday with the start of the 2023 Formula 2 Championship. Not only will the company name be changed, but the Invicta branding will be showcased on the team’s car, race suits, and clothing. Invicta’s partnership means that this is the first time a consumer brand has been added to the team’s name.
What is Invicta Watch Group?
Invicta Watch Group was founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland in 1837 by Raphael Picard. Since then, Invicta has produced over 4,000 unique models and over 55 designs. Invicta currently has long-standing agreements with corporate giants such as Disney and Warner Brothers. Their watches are sold worldwide from Asia to Europe to Australia.
In the 1980s, Invicta became bankrupt and was sold to Ondix S.A. in 1983, where they continued making watches in Switzerland. However, after disappointing sales by Ondix, Invicta was brought by American owners who now have their headquarters in Hollywood, Florida. The Lalo family currently runs the company. Apart from making watches, Invicta also owns, manufactures, designs, and distributes several Swiss brands
Despite the company having worked with athletes before, this will be the first time the company name will be adopted into a team’s name. Limited edition watches will also be manufactured as a celebration of the partnership. Formula 2 driver Juan Manuel Correa will continue as a brand ambassador for Invicta after joining the company in 2022.
When the mastery of speed meets the essence of time.
Proudly introducing Invicta Virtuosi Racing. #InvictaVirtuosiRacing #F2 pic.twitter.com/78htgGQto3
— Invicta Racing (@InvictaRacing) February 25, 2023
Declan Lohen (CEO of Virtuosi Racing) stated:
“We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with Invicta Watch Group. As Formula 2 rapidly grows around the world it’s inevitable that global brands will seek involvement in the series. We believe that Invicta will help elevate our team’s profile to a level previously unseen in Formula 2 whilst also aligning with our existing values.”
Eyal Lalo (CEO of Invicta Watch Group) added:
“Invicta collectors love sports and, motor racing, in particular, and we love the Virtuosi organization, so this partnership was a no-brainer. We’re incredibly impressed with what the individuals at this team have achieved in the recent past and we certainly believe that there is a shared ethos between our organizations.”
Virtuosi Racing will be entering their fifth season in Formula 2 with Alpine’s reserve driver Jack Doohan aiming for the title in his second season. Doohan will be partnered with Belgian driver Amaury Cordeel.
