The opening round of the 2026 French Championship at MBC61 delivered an exciting weekend of racing, and we were proud to see French driver Thomas Laigle competing with our Antz Racing Torsen B‑Type front and center differentials.
Despite running a unique vehicle configuration where only the front and center diffs could be equipped with our Torsen system, Thomas demonstrated just how much performance potential the setup offers.
Exceptional Pace from the First Laps
From the very beginning of the event, Thomas showed outstanding speed and consistency. In the semi‑final, he secured 1st place, showcasing the strong acceleration, stability, and cornering balance provided by the Torsen system.
According to Thomas, the front Torsen differential delivered impressive steering authority, while the center Torsen provided powerful and efficient drive on corner exit. The combination allowed him to push hard without suffering from oversteer or understeer, giving him a confident and predictable driving platform.
He also noted that the car tracked extremely straight under power and rewarded precise throttle control — a characteristic that helped him carry excellent speed through technical sections.
A Podium Finish — and Nearly a Victory
In the final, Thomas once again demonstrated race‑winning pace. He built a full‑lap lead over second place and was on track to take a dominant victory.
However, with just 30 seconds remaining, his fuel tank ran dry — the only factor that prevented him from converting his performance into a win. He still crossed the line in 3rd place, securing a strong podium finish and proving the competitiveness of the Torsen setup at the highest level of French 1/5 racing.
It’s important to highlight that the loss of the lead was purely due to fuel depletion, not a performance issue. The pace, stability, and acceleration throughout the race clearly showed the potential of the Torsen system in competition.
Driver Feedback and Future Development
Thomas shared valuable insights after the race:
- The front Torsen provides strong steering response and precise direction control.
- The center Torsen delivers excellent acceleration and traction, especially on corner exit.
- The car maintains high stability under power, allowing fast and confident driving.
- In wet or slippery conditions, the Torsen setup gives a noticeable advantage in acceleration compared to other drivers.
His feedback will help us continue refining the system and exploring new development options — including potential upgrades for different vehicle platforms and fuel tank configurations.
A Strong Start to the Season
We are extremely pleased with Thomas’s performance and proud to see our Torsen differentials proving themselves in top‑level competition. A semi‑final win, a podium in the final, and race‑leading pace all weekend show the strength of the package.
With further fine‑tuning and continued collaboration, we’re excited to see what Thomas can achieve in the next rounds of the championship.
The 2026 season has only just begun — and this is a very promising start.
