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Pierre Comby

In the fiercely competitive world of motorsport, where heritage often dictates hierarchy and success is measured in tenths of a second, a new generation of racing teams are beginning to reshape the landscape. Among the most dynamic of these is CODE Racing Development, a French organisation whose rapid ascent has been fueled by engineering excellence, multi discipline versatility, and the relentless vision of its co-founder, Pierre Comby.

From the winding mountain roads of French rally stages to the high speed drama of GT racing across Europe, CODE Racing Development has become a name synonymous with technical precision and competitive ambition. Pierre’s individual story is not one of overnight success. It is the product of years of experience, a deep understanding of race car development, and a philosophy built on continuous improvement.

A Team Born from Partnership, Experience and Ambition

CODE Racing Development was founded during the winter of 2017–2018, a period that marked a turning point in Pierre Comby’s career. After a decade working with the highly successful HEXIS Racing organisation, one of France’s most decorated GT teams, Pierre had accumulated a wealth of knowledge in engineering, operations, and international competition.

“Code development started around 2017–2018,” Comby explains. “Before that, I spent around ten years with Hexis. We won two GT championships. It was a very nice period for me, and coming back to Aston Martin with my own team feels very natural.”

His time at HEXIS shaped his approach to the development and management of CODE: meticulous preparation, technical depth, and a commitment to building a structure capable of competing at the highest level. In 2014, he founded PITO Engineering, specialising in engine management and performance optimisation, a venture that strengthened his technical foundations and entrepreneurial instincts.

The creation of CODE Racing Development, alongside Jérôme Dernis, was the next logical step. The team name itself, COmby and Dernis, symbolised the partnership at its core.

Pierre Comby directed operations from the pit wall- Le Mans 2026

Versatility as a Competitive Weapon

What sets CODE Racing Development apart is its rare ability to compete successfully across multiple disciplines. While most teams specialise in either rallying or circuit racing, CODE has embraced both. Rather than diluting its efforts it has excelled across all race disciplines.

The team quickly gained attention by achieving victories with all three competition versions of the Alpine A110. These successes spanned the French Rally Championship, the Alpine Elf Europa Cup, and the GT4 European Series. Such versatility is uncommon in modern motorsport, where specialisation is often seen as essential.

“We did a lot of work on the rally car and the Cup car,” Comby says. “We did the development work. It was a big job.”

This engineering led approach became the backbone of CODE’s identity. Every race weekend, whether on gravel, tarmac, or a GT circuit, became a development exercise. Data, driver feedback, and technical insight were transformed into performance gains.

A Return to Aston Martin: A Natural Homecoming

Peirre (far left) with the team outside the House of Aston Martin – Le Mans

For Comby, the move into GT3 and GT4 racing with Aston Martin was more than a strategic decision, it was a return to familiar territory.

“Many of the people at AMR have the same history as me, old colleagues, good guys,” he says. “It’s a pleasure to be with them again. And yes, we have technical support from AMR, which is important for what we’re doing.”

CODE – Making their mark on the start/finish line – Le Mans

Over the last 2 seasons CODE Racing Development operated multiple Aston Martin Vantage GT4s, including a development car, a race rental car, and customer entries.

The team do field young drivers and have increasingly become a stepping‑stone team for emerging GT talent, but this is not structured as an academy.

The Workshop: A Hub of Engineering Precision

CODE Racing Development is based in Perigueux, a picturesque region on the west side of the Rhône Valley, known as much for its wine as its motorsport talent.

“We have a top quality workshop, 2,500 square metres,” Comby says. “We employ around ten people, and more for the races.”

This blend of scale and agility is one of CODE’s greatest strengths. The team is large enough to compete internationally, yet small enough to remain flexible and innovative.

Meticulous preparation for the Road to Le Mans Race – June 2026

Expanding Horizons: GT3, Le Mans, and Beyond

Recent seasons have seen CODE Racing Development expand into GT3 competition, a move that aligns closely with Comby’s earlier career and long term ambitions. Speaking about the Vantage GT3 and its evolution Pierre comments:

“The engines have evolved, the modifications are positive, and the car is very reliable,” Comby explains. “It’s a very nice car to run.”

In 2025, the team made an impressive GT3 debut in the Michelin Le Mans Cup with the Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo. Despite limited preparation time, the team demonstrated competitive pace and strong operational execution.

Pierre overseeing final preparation before race start

“We hope to be selected for the anniversary race,” Comby says. “We will try to fight. And why not a 24 hour programme too? We will see.”

The ambition is clear: CODE Racing Development intends to become a regular presence in endurance racing at the highest level.

Road to Le Mans Qualifying - 2026

A New Chapter: The Classics Programme

While the team continues to grow in contemporary motorsport, Comby has also launched a dedicated Classic competition programme, focusing on historic GT and prototype machinery.

“We have created a classic programme and we have a lot of older cars,” he explains. "I want to develop that side more because I know the cars well and I worked on them from the beginning.”

CODE are now racing the Le Mans class winning Vantage GTE from 2020 (ex TF Sport). Taking part in the Peter Auto Racing Series, the original and striking orange livery making a welcome return to tracks. The team are also running a V12 Vantage GT3 car.

This initiative reflects a broader trend in motorsport, where historic racing has become a thriving and prestigious arena. For Pierre, it represents both a business opportunity and a passion project.

CODE Racing Car #11 battling with the LMP3 and GT3 competitors on its way to P7 in class

Leadership Rooted in Engineering

Those who work with Comby often highlight his leadership style: calm, technical, and deeply involved.

“I’m an engineer,” he says simply. “I worked as an engineer on all the Cup cars. Engineering is my background.”

This hands on approach has shaped the culture of CODE Racing Development. Engineers, mechanics, and drivers describe an environment built on teamwork, attention to detail, and continuous improvement.

A Modern Motorsport Success Story

In less than a decade, CODE Racing Development has transformed from a small, ambitious operation into one of France’s most versatile and respected motorsport organisations. Its achievements span rallying, GT4, GT3, and now historic racing — a rare combination in today’s specialised motorsport world.

The team’s success is rooted in three core principles:

• Technical excellence
• Versatility across disciplines
• A leadership philosophy built on development and teamwork

As motorsport continues to evolve through technology, data, and professional management, CODE Racing Development stands as a model for the new generation of racing teams: agile, sophisticated, and unafraid to challenge established competitors.

For Pierre Comby, the journey is far from over. With expanding programmes, growing partnerships, and a clear long term vision, CODE Racing Development is poised to become one of Europe’s most influential independent racing organisations.

Photo Credits: Code Development Racing & Matt Hawkins (final image only)