Funyo - Accessible Racing Prototype

In recent years, a new player has emerged on the motorsport scene in France: Funyo, a manufacturer specializing in racing prototypes 🙂

Since its creation in 1999, this French company has established itself as a reference by offering vehicles suited to various levels of driving, while maintaining relatively affordable costs. This approach has made the world of prototypes accessible to a wider audience, from beginner drivers to more experienced ones.

With over 20 years of experience, Funyo is known for its excellent value for money. In this article, we will review the brand's history and detail the budgets needed to drive a Funyo, whether for leisure or competition.

The History of Funyo: A Meteoric Rise in the World of Prototypes

Founded in 1999 by Yves Orhant, the company YO Concept embarked on developing Funyo racing cars with one idea in mind: to make motorsport accessible to a larger audience. Passionate about competition and car design, Yves Orhant started his workshop to create affordable prototypes, allowing motorsport enthusiasts to realize their dreams without having to invest astronomical sums. This is how the first Funyo models came to life.

He developed a range of cars designed not only for racing but also for leisure and driving schools, thereby broadening access to the world of competition.

Over time, Yves Orhant's efforts paid off. In 2018, Romain Angebeau, a former engineer at Pescarolo and Ligier-Onroak, took over the reins of the company, ensuring its continuity and development. In nearly 25 years, Funyo has experienced impressive growth, setting up near the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit in Sarthe, and launching several championships to promote its vehicles.

Today, Funyo even has international ambitions. Recently, Bertrand Lambla's company ALPHI10 signed an exclusive agreement with Funyo Racing for the distribution of its prototypes in the Middle East. At the end of 2024, Funyo also announced the signing of an exclusive distribution contract for Funyo prototypes in the United States of America with Capone Motorsports.

Why Choose Funyo?

The Funyo is a race car of the sport-proto type, designed to offer motorsport enthusiasts a powerful and accessible machine. Its concept is based on providing intense sensations and a genuine driving experience to a wide audience without requiring an exorbitant budget.

Its design is particularly successful, combining elegant and dynamic lines with a lightweight and robust construction. The compact dimensions of the Funyo give it a remarkable power-to-weight ratio and exceptional maneuverability.

The Funyo thus offers a unique driving experience on the circuit, often considered one of the purest alongside single-seaters, thanks to its lightness, quick handling, and ability to reproduce sensations similar to more powerful and sophisticated cars. With its excellent value for money and dedicated championships, it represents an interesting opportunity for drivers to taste the sensations of sports prototypes without investing a fortune.

Funyo Range: Discovering French Racing Prototypes

The first Funyo prototype models were produced in very limited quantities. The Funyo 1 (see photo below), for example, was made in only five units, allowing the company to make its debut on the track. The Funyo 2 and 3, each produced in six units, served as the basis for developing future models of the Breton manufacturer.

Funyo F4 RC and RS: Simple and Effective

The Funyo F4 RC and RS were the first prototypes launched by Funyo. Despite their simple design, these vehicles stand out for their remarkable performance and an attractive purchase and operating cost. Their modular design also allows them to be easily adapted to the specific needs of drivers and the requirements of different races.

Lightweight (only 590 kg) and equipped with the high-performance Peugeot XU10J4RS engine from the Peugeot 306 S16 (167 hp), the Funyo F4 RS offers a combination of speed and ease of driving that appeals to both novices and more experienced drivers. Later, the F4 evolved with the introduction of the Peugeot 206 RC engine, modified to reach 190 hp, allowing the prototype to go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4 seconds and reach a top speed of 232 km/h.

These models notably participated in the Funyo VdeV Challenge until the championship disappeared in 2019, replaced by the Ultimate Cup Series.

F5: A Leap Toward Even More Performance

With the F5 model, Funyo maintains its reputation for accessible performance by incorporating technical improvements such as a new cooling system and chassis modifications. Its aerodynamic bodywork and optimized suspension offer excellent maneuverability and impeccable handling on the circuit. This model targets drivers who already have some experience while remaining financially affordable.

SP05 and SP05 EVO: Excellence in French Prototypes

To meet the demands of the most experienced drivers, Funyo developed the SP05, a symbol of its expertise in performance and technology. Featuring a tubular steel chassis with aluminum panels homologated by the FFSA, the SP05 focuses on rigidity and lightness. It is equipped with a Peugeot 1.6 THP engine of 220 hp and 4-piston caliper brakes for optimal control.

Launched in 2020, the SP05 EVO pushes the boundaries of performance even further. The technical specifications are impressive: Peugeot EP6FDTR engine of 270 hp (from the 308 GTI), a SADEV SL 75 LW 6-speed sequential gearbox, and a total weight of only 670 kg 🔥

Homologated CN, this version participates in various international competitions such as the Ultimate Cup Series, the Supercar Challenge, or the Romanian Endurance Series, further confirming Funyo's reputation on the global stage.

Over the years, FUNYO Racing has solidified its position in the world of motorsports by offering prototypes that are both high-performance and accessible. Thanks to this innovative approach, many enthusiasts can realize their dream of becoming a driver by choosing from a range of models adapted to their needs, ensuring an unparalleled circuit experience.

Buying a Funyo Prototype: At What Price?

If you’re looking to start competing behind the wheel of a Funyo prototype, there are several options available, whether you’re interested in a new or used model. For the purchase of a new prototype, we invite you to contact Funyo directly to obtain the list of official dealers.

The second-hand market can also be an interesting option for acquiring a prototype at a more affordable price. For example, a Funyo F5 equipped with the RC engine of 190 hp and about 10 years old is often available around €18,000 including VAT, ready to race.

For a SP05 used model, the average price is around €23,000 depending on the condition, year, and specifications of the vehicle. The latest version, the SP05 EVO, is generally available for a price between €30,000 and €40,000 including VAT.

Renting a Funyo Prototype for a Weekend Race

Do you not want to own a race car and handle its maintenance? Many teams offer rental options for a race or season, allowing you to enjoy the driving experience without the associated constraints.

For a weekend race in the Funyo Sprint championship, the average rental cost for a Funyo prototype is about €7,000 excluding VAT. This price includes the provision of the vehicle, technical assistance, and logistical support, but does not cover registration fees, licenses, or insurance, which must be budgeted separately 😉

Feel free to check out all the ads for prototypes for sale or rent on GoToTheGrid 👍

Funyo Proto Championships: An Ideal Platform for Beginners

The Funyo Proto championships offer a unique opportunity for amateur and professional drivers to compete against each other on prestigious circuits. Funyo offers several dedicated championships, organized in parallel with other national and international events, allowing participants to gain visibility and experience.

The calendar includes several rounds across France on iconic tracks such as the Bugatti Circuit at Le Mans, Nogaro, and the Paul Ricard Circuit. These events offer drivers the unique chance to experience a variety of tracks while competing in a well-organized and competitive championship. The series also extends internationally with a race on the F1 circuit at Zandvoort, as part of the Supercar Challenge.

Sprint Cup By Funyo

Friday is dedicated to two private practice sessions. On Saturday, drivers participate in two qualifying sessions followed by an initial race. Sunday is reserved for three 20-minute races. Each event takes place alongside other events such as the French GT4 Championship, the Truck Championship, the Trophée Tourisme Endurance, or the Supercar Challenge. Track time remains unchanged from previous years.

Here is the 2024 season calendar:

• May 10-12: Circuit de Lédenon
• May 24-26: Circuit Paul Ricard
• June 21-23: Circuit de Nogaro
• July 5-7: Circuit de Dijon Prenois
• September 13-15: Circuit of Zandvoort F1
• November 15-17: Circuit Bugatti - Le Mans

🆕 New 2025 Season Calendar 🆕

• April 4-6: Circuit du Val De Vienne
• May 23-25: Paul Ricard Circuit
• June 20-22: Nogaro Circuit
• September 26-28: Zandvoort F1 Circuit
• October 24-26: Magny-Cours Circuit

The different categories in the Sprint Cup By Funyo:

• Scratch / General: General classification open to all participants.
• Challengers: Drivers aged 24 to 49 not appearing on the scratch podium.
• Gentlemen: Drivers aged 50 and over.
• Espoirs: Young drivers aged 16 to 23.
• Females: Category dedicated to women.
• F5: Specific category for Funyo F5 (minimum of 3 Funyo F5 entries).

Endurance Cup by Funyo

Until recently, the Funyo Endurance Cup took place within the Trophée Endurance Proto, organized by the Trophée Tourisme Endurance (TTE). However, the endurance championship has been suspended for the 2024 season. Although the Funyo-exclusive championship is no longer active, enthusiasts of this type of race format, whether solo or in pairs, can turn to the TTE championship with 40-minute races in the FREE PROTO category or the Supercar Challenge in the Benelux, offering events with two 1-hour sessions.

Cost of Participation in the Funyo Championship

For the Sprint Cup, the registration cost for a meeting starts at €1,791 excl. VAT ("Early Booking" rate which will even decrease in 2025 😉). The budget for a full-season entry in this championship is around €10,000 excl. VAT. Note that the best driver of the season in the Espoirs category can earn one of the 8 spots in the Junior Programme of the Porsche Carrera Cup France (PCCF), an exceptional opportunity to advance in the world of motorsport.

The Funyo Sprint CUP Championship is gearing up for 2025 with a few new features. Although registrations are not yet open, it has been confirmed that prices will be lower than the previous year.

These amounts do not include the cost of the FFSA license, which is €460 for 2024, nor travel expenses. You should also budget for a technical team on-site and vehicle transportation to various circuits throughout the season.

See also : "How to transport a race car?"

Participating in a Prototype Driving Course

Want to experience the unique sensations of driving a Funyo prototype on the circuit? Several organizations offer Funyo driving courses 😉

Among these organizations is the company R-ace INSIDE located in Fontenay-le-Comte, which not only offers driving sessions in Funyo but also laps in single-seaters such as Formula 3 Regional and Formula Renault, as well as passenger rides in a two-seater Formula Renault. These courses, accessible and well-supervised, are organized on various circuits such as Fontenay-le-Comte, Dijon, Dreux, Magny-Cours, and Le Vigeant, and are suitable for both beginners and drivers looking to improve.

HMC Lohéac is another company offering driving courses behind the wheel of Funyo 5 sports prototypes on the Lohéac circuit in Brittany, between Rennes and Nantes. These sessions are ideal for discovering motorsport or honing driving skills on a technical and renowned circuit.

It is also possible to find some of these courses in gift boxes, such as those offered by Smartbox, allowing you to offer this unique experience to friends passionate about motorsports.

Onboard Camera in Funyo (Dijon-Prenois Circuit)

Conclusion

Funyo (see the official website) has managed to make a name for itself in the world of motorsports with a range of racing prototypes that are both high-performance and accessible, adaptable to all levels of driving. Whether for purchase, rental, or participation in driving courses, Funyo offers various options that allow motorsport enthusiasts to fully live their passion without breaking the bank. With its dedicated championships and international ambitions, the brand continues to position itself as a key reference in the world of prototypes. For those passionate about combining performance and accessibility, Funyo remains a wise choice to start or improve in competition.