Éric Bernard is a retired French Formula One racing driver, who drove for the Ligier, Larrousse and Lotus teams. He was one of the finalists at the Volant Elf competition. He beat Jean Alesi and Bertrand Gachot to the prize, earning himself a fully sponsored drive in Formula Renault. He finished sixth in the series, but won the following year, and entering French Formula Three. He won the series finishing in second place for the championship, behind his old rival, Alesi. He entered Formula 3000.