Phoenix have announced that James Thompson will remain as the team's reserve driver for the 2027 Formula Virtual season.
Phoenix and Thompson is a partnership almost as iconic as some of the biggest and most successful team-driver partnerships in virtual motorsport history, albeit with less silverware. The infamous Thompson, often known simply as 'JT', has been with the team since his very first FV3 Series race in 2016 and will continue his FV reserve duties for an eighth season.
The 32 year old British driver has recently been the subject of media attention following his Virtual Porsche Cup title, driving for Phoenix's VPC team, and his confidence is at an all time high. "I'm as happy as ever here at Phoenix so it's great to nail down the contract for 2027. The team is my home and the fact that I can compete in series like the Virtual Porsche Cup is the perfect agreement for me," Thompson said in a short video on social media, "I honestly feel like the stuff I'm learning from competing over there is helping me to become a much more well-rounded driver and I hope to be able to contribute as much as possible to the FV team. I can't wait to get going again!".
The announcement makes Phoenix the first team to reveal their 2027 reserve driver, but it is expected that many more will follow suit in the near future. The confirmation of Thompson for 2027 coincides with rumours that Chloe King, a graduate of Phoenix's Young Driver Academy - The Hive, has been signed to a race seat, although nothing has been officially confirmed yet.