Winfield Racing School

[1] Shell Oil became the sponsor of the school from 1963 until 1973 when François Cevert died of injuries in a practice accident at Watkins Glen in October.

René Arnoux was the last of the Volant Shell Competition Scholarship drivers coming out of the school, who were given a gratis season of Formula France.

Shell terminated the sponsorship in the middle of the first oil crisis in 1973, but the French oil giant, Elf filled the spot and added the second school venue at Paul Ricard (previously called the Circuit du Castellet) at Le Castellet near Marseille by entrusting the management of École de pilotage Renault-Elf Circuit Paul Ricard (Renault-Elf Paul Ricard Circuit Driving School) and changing its name to Winfield Racing School (École de pilotage Renault-Elf-Winfield).

With the realization that there are some exceptional talents among the non-winners, Trophée Winfield was also created to offer second chances for recognition, as well as for the winners of shorter-term programs at the school.

Adding Historic Racing, brought in by Laurent Fort (Winfield Héritage) to the line of activities, the school offers a Formula 1 driving experience day to wealthy enthusiasts in addition to the traditional schooling for young racing drivers, occupying the modern facilities at Paul Ricard circuit previously used by Renault F1 and Toyota F1 teams.