It's already been discussed at length about the breakdown in the relationship and teamwork that ended up with “LOBS Esports” being formed, but this week the driver market shifted again.

Atlus Australia’s driving lineup was shaken to the core with Andrew Gilliam, Ric Kuznetsov, Andre Yousiff and Tao Soerono having all just signed with Vermillion Esports along with a few other teammates from Altus not currently racing in Logitech Pro Invitational.

Talijancich has previously done a large part of the management duties back when the group of drivers ran under Pursuit Sim Racing, and in part, the move to Altus was an opportunity to go back to focussing on his driving more. “Talli” is happy with the current arrangement and is looking to stay where he is for now.

Further from the Vermillion lineup, Connor Nixon came to a mutual agreement with the team to part ways at the current juncture. Of critical note here was the fact that Connor was doing the bulk of the setup design work for the Logitech Pro Qualifying and Invitational series. Where this workload will now shift within a strengthened Vermillion lineup is currently up for debate, but Gilliam has carried that load previously and may step up and do so again.

An interesting point to note is that the Vermillion lineup now has 42 drivers across the breadth of the team and all its categories of racing. In recent history multiple teams have attempted to make larger driver bodies work, but the trend has been that smaller tighter-nit groups tend to work better.

Synergy Sim Racing are one such team and found mixed success with managing a wide variety of personalities, motivations and speed. Jordan Ross commented “It’s a tough gig. Many different personalities to manage. Inevitably big teams split up into smaller groups internally, and that is when problems start!”

Ric Kuznetsov has an insane amount of talent and potential. His skillset in a Porsche Cup 992 car is legendary, PESC is an option for him to chase if he can surround himself with the right people. Altus should have opened that door for him, but whether it was a priority in his short time span with the team is up for debate. Could this be a leading cause for him moving to Vermillion? Ben Faulkner (team manager) made it known this week the team does have aspirations outside of Australia.

With the first round of the season being a “wildcard” in terms of results the entire field is in a place where good results over the next few rounds changes the entire championship outlook. If the new Vermillion lineup is to succeed, these rounds will be absolutely critical. Gilliam will want top 5s and podiums, Kuznetsov has recently shown pace at Phillip Island. 

Jacob O’Reilly has a huge opportunity on his plate to work with drivers who may pull him closer to the front. His pace this far has outstripped both Connor Nixon and Zach Rattray-White. If O’Reilly finds the last ingredient, the right garnish to the near complete meal of his driving talents if you will, then in theory the sky's the limit for him.

At this juncture all we can do is speculate on where all of this shakes out. As a commentator, pundit and racing fan I have 3 separate opinions.

The Pundit thinks - I need to see results. Phillip Island is a known quantity, we’ve been there a lot (including other leagues VERY recently). Results may be hard to come by there, so they get a pass for 1 round. They must score at least 2 top 10s at Red Bull Ring, preferably a Top 5.

The Commentator - OH BOY…. Drama? We can sell that!

The Racing Fan - That's a couple of jumps for these drivers in a short space of time. If it doesn’t work out, could we see another unique team created in the second half of the year? That could be exciting!!!

Just another swirl in the eddies of the Great Sea that is the Logitech Pro Invitational Driver Market. I’ve got another bucket of popcorn on the stove, popping away towards lights out on the 10th of April.

See you at Phillip Island.