Julien Gerbi

Julien Gerbi (born October 3, 1985 in Nice, France) is a French-Algerian racing car driver.
Career.
Debut.
Gerbi started driving in karting in 1992, but didn't choose to race, competing only once in Monaco where he won his first competition. He trained many years, before debuting as a test driver in Formula Nissan Junior in 2003 with the GTEC Team.
Sport Prototypes.
In 2004, promoted as the new "Draco Target Driver", the Berber driver participated to the Formula X Endurance Series, finishing 4th in the European category. He finished 3rd for his first race in Monza, and poleman for the first ever race held in the brand new Dubai Autodrome. He was crowned 'Best Rookie' at the end of the year. He also tested in British Formula Three for the Promatecme Team.
Formula 3.
He only appeared in one race of the Spanish Formula BMW championship in 2005, before jumping into another Formula 3 seat in 2006. Racing for Team Active in the Turkish Formula Three Championship, Gerbi scored three wins and five podiums in eight races, establishing as well the new Izmir track record in May. Competing only half of the championship, his classification was a final 5th position and another rookie title.
US Barber Mazda Series.
In 2007 and 2008, the driver from Nice raced in the United States in the Skip Barber Mazda Series. After a 2007 learning season where he finished 10th in the overall championship against 40 other drivers, Gerbi finished 4th in the 2008 edition, with 10 podiums out of 14 races and a win in Virginia. He set the new track record in Lime Rock Park, and has also been included into the 2007 World 100 Future Racing Stars, among drivers such as Lewis Hamilton, Nelson Piquet Jr or Sebastian Vettel.
Formula Palmer Audi.
Gerbi eventually came back to Europe in 2009 following some British Formula 3 testing. He raced in Formula Palmer Audi, during a year marked by many mechanical issues, but eventually took a 1st row at Snetterton’s last race. After having shown himself as the most improved driver of the season, he tested in Formula 3000 and Formula 2 during the winter.
References.
Caradisiac : Julien Gerbi en contact avec Lotus F1 -> http://www.caradisiac.com/F1-Julien-Gerbi-en-contact-avec-Lotus-Racing-39108.htm