Richelmi behind the wheel for Trident in Abu Dhabi - Photo Credit: Alastair Staley/GP2 Media Service
Stephane Richelmi will remain with the Trident Racing outfit for the 2012 GP2 Series season, the team has announced.
The Monegasque pilot made his GP2 debut with the Italian squad at the 2011 season finale at Monza, substituting for injured compatriot Stefano Coletti. He then raced for them again at the non-championship GP2 Final event at Abu Dhabi.
21-year-old Richelmi tried other teams for size during post-season testing prior to the Abu Dhabi race, but has opted to stick with Trident for his first full season in the feeder series.
“After the good showing had in my first GP2 Series weekend at Monza I decided to drive with other teams in testing to have a good term of comparison,” he said.
“In the end I decided to stick with Trident Racing because it was the best choice for me. The team trusted me, I know the whole staff really well and I have a good relationship with them. I’m really proud to have this opportunity and I can’t wait to start the new season.
“There will be a lot of rookies in 2012 and my goal for next year is to stay in the top five. There are a lot of aspects that are key in GP2 racing, like qualifying for example. My goal is to get good results in these crucial aspects as soon as possible.”
After finishing runner-up in the Italian Formula 3 Championship in 2010, Richelmi raced in Formula Renault 3.5 in 2010 where he managed a single points finish at Monza.
Trident say they are in advanced talks over the team's second driver. Colombian Julian Leal partnered Richelmi in Abu Dhabi.
