Cindy Gudet to contest Ultimate Cup in NP02 prototype with Nerguti Compétition

After a very positive first season in circuit racing, Cindy Gudet is set to contest the Ultimate Cup Series at the wheel of the Nova NP02 prototype operated by Nerguti Competition.

Photo credits: Cindy Gudet

French racer Cindy Gudet is set to make her prototype racing debut at the wheel of the Nova NP02 operated by Nerguti Compétition in the 2025 Ultimate Cup Series, on her second full season of circuit racing competitions.

Gudet, a multiple national champion in hillclimb racing, in fact made the transition to racetracks in 2024, tackling a dual program in the highly competitive GT4 European Championship and the Ligier European Series.

In GT4 Europe, Gudet joined the Team Matmut Évolution all-female squad, partnering Gabriela Jílková at the wheel of the Toyota Supra GT4 in the ProAm class. Making her GT4 debut, the Frenchwoman made remarkable improvements over the season - which started with a class podium on her first race at Circuit Paul Ricard. Another top five in class followed in Misano, with two-point scoring finishes at Spa adding to the tally.

Unfortunately a big crash in Hockenheim resulted in a leg injury, however she quickly returned to Monza, with another top five in ProAm in Race 2. A strong season finale at Jeddah allowed Gudet and Jílková to finish sixth in the championship standings.

At the same time, Gudet also contested the Ligier European Series in a solo campaign, aimed at maximising track time and providing opportunities to hone her racecraft.

Cindy showcased strong pace in qualifying and was consistently among the protagonists of the GT-based JS2 R class, however the pit handicap for solo drivers often prevented her from capitalizing on her pace.

Gudet scored a streak of four top-5 finishes to start the season and, while she had to miss the Spa round due to her injury, she was back with strong performances in Mugello and Portimao, where she scored her first podium with a second place in Race 1.

Later in the season, she completed the ELMS Rookie Test at Portimao at the wheel of the M Racing team’s Ligier JS P320 LMP3 prototype.

Gudet is now set to make her Ultimate Cup Series debut at the wheel of the Nerguti Compétition Nova NP02 prototype, with the team making its return to the championship after a partial 2024 campaign, interrupted prematurely by a crash at the second round in Portimao that significantly damaged the car and ruled out experienced driver Stéphane Ortelli, who is still recovering from the accident.

Since then, the NP02 has been completely rebuilt thanks to the commitment of the Nova Proto team. Gudet will team up with Alban Nerguti and Valentin Simonet.

"Delighted to join the Nerguti family, with whom we share, from the start, a common passion for hillclimbing", Gudet commented. "Finding the prototype on the circuit is a great satisfaction, and it is a pleasure to be able to do it alongside Alban and Valentin! Looking forward to seeing the whole team at Le Castellet for the first round."

The team completed the official testing at the end of February and is getting ready for the Ultimate Cup Series season opener at Circuit Paul Ricard, which will be held from 27 to 30 March.