Phoenix PX4

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23px-Flag of the United Kingdom.svg-1-.png Phoenix PX4
Phoenix PX4 launch.png
Category Formula Virtual
Constructor Phoenix
Designer(s) Christian Sear (Technical Director)
Gary Haythornthwaite (Chief Designer)
Benjamin Bumble (Head of Aerodynamics)
Predecessor Phoenix PX3
Successor Phoenix PX5
Technical specifications
Chassis Phoenix Motorsport moulded composite with
aluminium honeycomb core
Suspension
(front)
EnviroMat full composite. Push-rod to rockers
with torsion springs and inboard damping
Suspension
(rear)
EnviroMat
Engine Downton MCL-2021
Transmisson Semi-automatic Sequential
Eight Speed Forward + One Reverse
Fuel Wilson Oils EcoPlus
Lubricants Wilson Oils Lubricants
Brakes STOP-Tech Discs and pads, calipers
Tyres Goodyear Eagle
Competition history
Notable
entrants
Royal Phoenix Motorsport
Notable
drivers
41. 23px-Flag of Argentina.svg-1-.png Sergio Álvarez
42. 23px-Flag of Belgium (civil).svg-1-.png Thierry Xylander
42. 23px-Flag of the United Kingdom.svg-1-.png James Thompson
42. 23px-Flag of the United Kingdom.svg-1-.png Dominic Hanson
Debut 2021 Japanese V-Prix
Last event 2021 Brazilian V-Prix
Races Wins Podiums Poles Fastest Laps Points
18 0 0 1 1 31
Constructors'
Championships
0
Drivers'
Championships
0

The Phoenix PX4 was a Formula Virtual racing car designed by Phoenix for use in the 2021 Formula Virtual World Championship, the team’s fourth season in Formula Virtual. The PX4 was Phoenix’s first car with Royal Blondes as the title sponsor, following Phoenix’s split with XXX Energy. The car was driven by Sergio Álvarez, Thierry Xylander, James Thompson and Dominic Hanson.

History

The car was launched at Oulton Park on 14th February 2021 along with the announcement of Royal Blondes as the new title sponsor following the split from XXX Energy. Alex Easton and Terry McCarroll hosted the event which featured a short video message was played with Royal Blondes CEO Jean-Claude Chazelas talking about the new title sponsorship deal. Following the launch, reserve driver James Thompson took the car around the circuit to show off the new livery.

For the first time in their history, Phoenix had endured a relatively calm winter; the financial security provided by Wilson Oils and now Royal Blondes paying dividends. However, Alex Easton made it clear from the beginning that the team had not taken any gambles with the new regulations and had instead opted to play it safe with a very basic design to begin with in 2021.

This was evident at the first two races as Phoenix looked to be in danger of dropping into Q1 after two poor races, the first of which saw 32-year-old Dominic Hanson make his Formula Virtual debut after a series of shenanigans meant usual reserve driver Thompson was unable to replace the injured Thierry Xylander. A slightly chaotic Australian V-Prix saw the Belgian finish a brilliant seventh which saved Phoenix from Q1 but, other than an eighth place in Spain, the first half of the season provided little to shout about for the British team.

However, as had become standard for Phoenix in their time in Formula Virtual, the improvement in the second half of the season was incredible. Xylander stunned the paddock by putting his Phoenix on pole in a damp German V-Prix qualifying session and, although he retired from the race, it marked the beginning of Phoenix being able to challenge for points regularly in the final nine races. Phoenix finished the season on 31 points, consolidating their position from the previous season, boasting a fastest lap courtesy of Sergio Alvarez at the Mexican V-Prix.

Sponsorship

The title sponsorship deal with Royal Blondes saw the livery take on an entirely new look for 2021; the iconic fluo yellow disappearing and instead featuring the white and burgundy colours of Royal. The Royal logo featured prominently on the car with the side pods, air box and rear wing showing off the logo, as well as a crown blended into the livery on the engine cover. Wilson Oils also had a large presence to represent the continued partnership between Phoenix and Lucas. Vibrant Boards, Platinum Estate, V Foods, Flame, TMF Advisory and T&T Welding all kept their places on the car.

Phoenix’s badge remained at the forefront of the car’s nose, with The Manchester Bee emblem keeping its place just in front of the cockpit. Downton High Performance Engines’ logo and the McLaren chevron design both remained from 2020. Parts suppliers EnviroMat and STOP-Tech appeared once again, with Crown Logistics being shown on a Phoenix livery for the first time. Tyre supplier Goodyear also featured on the front wing.

Complete Formula Virtual results

(results in bold indicate pole position; results in italics indicate fastest lap)

Year Entrant Engine Tyres Drivers JPN MAL AUS RSA GBR FRA ESP GER UAE TUR BEL ITA CAN USA MEX BRA Points WCC
2021 Royal Phoenix Motorsport Downton MCL-2021 G 23px-Flag of Argentina.svg-1-.png Sergio Álvarez 14 17 12 19 19 19 13 9 8 13 Ret 10 13 17 11 31 9th
23px-Flag of the United Kingdom.svg-1-.png James Thompson WD
23px-Flag of the United Kingdom.svg-1-.png Dominic Hanson 26 21
23px-Flag of Belgium (civil).svg-1-.png Thierry Xylander 16 7 13 21 13 8 Ret 4 17 19 11 12 9 20 25