VEGA’s VFC Debut: Mancini and Oldenmenger Set Sights on Podiums

VEGA are one of the fresh faces on the VFC grid this season — and with Mirco Mancini leading the project as both team principal and driver, the new outfit arrives with plenty of motivation and a clear desire to grow quickly. Alongside him is fellow rookie Tom Oldenmenger, a name many will recognise from FSR, as the duo embark on their first full VFC campaign.

In our first sit-down with the pair, Mancini spoke about the excitement — and the reality check — of stepping into VFC for the first time, while Oldenmenger highlighted the learning curve that comes with a new car, new systems, and a new race environment.

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Buongiorno Mirco and Goededag Tom! A new team is always exciting, so I can imagine how you must be feeling at the moment. what are you guys goal for this season ?

Mirco Mancini:

"Buongiorno, we are excited to be here and learning all the aspects of the VFC league which is overwhelming. Our goal is to enjoy this journey to the fullest." Tom Oldenmenger: "Starting something new always means there's a lot to learn and growing to do. This will also be my personal goal: understand more and improve with every race. There will be growing pains, but hopefully they will be manageable.

Mirco and I work well together, so I'm sure this year will be fun!

What all this means in terms of results? I will be able to give you a rough estimate heading into the final round ;)"

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Great ambitions that we love to see, you are one of the few team principals who also drive the car and youre joined by another rookie in Tom Oldenmenger which is known from FSR for example. What made you decide on Tom to partner you for your first VFC season ?

Mirco Mancini:

"I know Tom since 2021 when I joined FSR, at that time we were on different teams. Then last year we raced together in and out of FSR. As soon I decided to join VFC, Tom was always the first choice. Had to spend some time to convince him. He's a cool guy who's good to work with and also has great speed."

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Tom, you said there will be growing pains — where do you expect the biggest challenges for VEGA early on: setup work, tyre management, strategy. Which of those is your biggest concern right now?

Tom Oldenmenger:

"The main issue I see is things like Safety Cars and whether we chose the correct upgrade path. These factors are new to me, and in life the unknown is always the biggest worry"

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Question for both of you: Finish this sentence for VEGA’s first season: ‘If we do ... consistently, this season is a success.

Mancini and Oldenmenger:

...score podiums

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A new team’s first year is always a test — of pace, of processes, and of resilience — but VEGA have already set their benchmark: podiums, not just participation. With Mancini’s leadership and Oldenmenger’s hunger to learn quickly, they’ll be one of the most interesting projects to watch as the season develops — especially once the early-season unknowns turn into experience.