Olivier started racing karts in 1979 and collected numerous national titles before winning the Volant Elf scholarship in 1987 that saw him enter the French Formula Renault Championship. He came fourth overall in his first season, but took the title the following year, earning himself a ride in French Formula Three with the Winfield team. He was fourth overall in his debut year and runner up in his second season.

1992 saw him entering Formula 3000, but he suffered in the Lola. In 1993, he took the title for the DAMS team, winning three late season races. His formula One debut came in 1994, for Ligier at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Here he qualified 19th, and finished the race11th, 3 laps down. His first podium finish came in Germany that same year, where he qualified in twelfth, but half the field was wiped out on the opening lap, and he finished in second.

He showed remarkable consistency in that year, finishing 15 of the 16 races, and in 1995, he again took a second placing, in Adelaide Australia, when all the forerunners bar Damon Hill retired. His first Grand Prix victory came at a wet Monaco race in 1996. Qualifying in 14th, he drove the Ligier to victory in a timed race, where many fell victim to the conditions.

Continuing on with the team after its change to Prost, the 97 season looked bright. Out of the first 5 races, he had four point finishes, including a second in Spain, and a third in Brazil, but tragedy struck in Montreal, where he crashed and injured his leg, causing him to miss the next 7 races. Despite this, he finished 9th overall with 16 points. 1998 was a disappointment, with 6 retirements, and the highest finish being 9th in Australia. He finished the season with no points.

In 2000 he opted to sit the year out and took up a testing contract with the Mercedes powered McLaren team. The Frenchman was fed up with driving for mid field outfits and hoped that the new role would show team bosses exactly what he was capable of. His plan worked and before the season was out the BAR team had contracted his services for the 2001 season.

Throughout the year he outpaced long term friend, Jacques Villeneuve, however neither driver managed to claim that elusive first win, finishing sixth in the championship behind their Honda powered rivals at Jordan. With their sights set on a better 2002 Olivier is hoping that the win he desperately craves is just around the corner.

Unfortunately it wasn't and the Frenchman has now signed a two-year contract to drive for Toyota in 2003 and 2004, alongside Brazilian Cristiano da Matta. As the team looks ahead to its second season in Formula One, Olivier will bring refreshed motivation, new ideas and immense development and racing experience to the team.