Nicolas Armindo, French race car driver
Born on March 8, 1982, in Colmar, France, Nicolas Armindo has carved a remarkable career as a professional race car driver. His journey into the high-octane world of motorsport began in childhood, where he developed a keen passion for karting, honing his skills in numerous local races and laying the foundation for a successful future on the track.
Armindo's formal racing career kicked off in 2001 with French Formula Campus, a crucial stepping stone for aspiring drivers aiming for professional ranks. His talent quickly became evident, leading him to compete in French Formula Renault from 2002 to 2003, concurrently participating in the highly competitive Formula Renault 2000 Eurocup during the same period. This early progression demonstrated his adaptability and drive, paving the way for his move into the prestigious Porsche Carrera Cup Germany in 2004, a series renowned for its intense wheel-to-wheel action and challenging competition.
A Champion's Rise: Carrera Cup and International Success
The year 2010 marked a significant milestone for Armindo, as he clinched the coveted championship title in the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany with Attempto Racing. This victory cemented his status as a top-tier driver in one of Europe's most challenging single-make series, showcasing his mastery of the powerful Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car. Prior to this, in 2009, he showcased his prowess on the international stage, securing an impressive third place in the FIA GT3 European Championship, driving an Audi R8 LMS for the Rosberg team.
His speed was undeniable, and he even holds a notable record: the fastest lap time in the 6th round of the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup, navigating the challenging 5.1-kilometre track in a blistering 1:51.692 minutes. This achievement highlights his exceptional skill and precision behind the wheel.
Endurance Racing and Le Mans Victories
Nicolas Armindo's career wasn't limited to sprint series; he also made his mark in international GT racing and endurance events. In 2005, he competed in the FIA GT Championship race in Istanbul, where he scored 4 points by finishing fifth in his class, demonstrating his ability to perform at a high level against global competition. His versatility truly extended to endurance events, including the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the world's most iconic motor races.
In 2011, driving a 2010 Porsche 997 GT3 RSR alongside Raymond Narac in the GTE-AM-Class of the Le Mans Series, he triumphantly won the class title, a testament to his consistency and endurance. For the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans itself that year, he transitioned to the GTE-Pro-Class, taking on the challenge with the new 2011 GT3 RSR, showcasing his adaptability across different car specifications and competitive categories. His ventures into demanding long-distance races also included driving a Porsche 997 GT3 R for the Attempto Team in the ADAC GT-Masters and participating in the challenging 24 Hours of Dubai. His endurance racing commitments continued into 2012, where he competed in the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona alongside Orbit Racing and James Sofronas.
Team Affiliations and Continued Racing Endeavors
Throughout his career, Armindo has been associated with several prominent racing outfits, each contributing to his extensive experience. His successful 2010 Porsche Carrera Cup campaign saw him secure both the Drivers' and Team titles with IMSA Performance in the Le-Mans Series and Hermes Attempto Racing in the German Porsche Carrera Cup. He also made notable guest appearances for Lechner Racing in the Supercup, even securing a memorable win at Hockenheim, further underlining his competitive edge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nicolas Armindo
- Who is Nicolas Armindo?
- Nicolas Armindo is a highly accomplished professional race car driver from Colmar, France, known for his success in various motorsport championships, particularly in Porsche series and endurance racing.
- When was Nicolas Armindo born?
- Nicolas Armindo was born on March 8, 1982.
- What championships has Nicolas Armindo won?
- He famously won the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany championship in 2010 and the Le Mans Series GTE-AM-Class title in 2011. He also holds a fastest lap record in the Porsche Mobil1 Supercup.
- What teams has Nicolas Armindo driven for?
- Throughout his career, Armindo has driven for several teams, including Attempto Racing, Rosberg team, IMSA Performance, Hermes Attempto Racing, Lechner Racing, and Orbit Racing, among others.
- Has Nicolas Armindo competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans?
- Yes, he competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2011, driving a Porsche 997 GT3 RSR in the GTE-Pro-Class, and also won the GTE-AM-Class title in the Le Mans Series that year.
- What other major races has he participated in?
- Beyond Le Mans, he has raced in the FIA GT3 European Championship, FIA GT Championship, Porsche Mobil1 Supercup, ADAC GT-Masters, 24 Hours of Dubai, and the Rolex 24 at Daytona.