Spavone in action for Trident at Barcelona today - Photo Credit: Drew Gibson/GP3 Series Media Service
Trident Racing have confirmed Antonio Spavone as the second of their drivers for their new GP3 Series squad ahead of the 2012 campaign.
The 17-year-old joins fellow Italian racer and Formula Abarth graduate Vicky Piria at the team. He made his Formula Abarth debut in 2010, and last year scored six points finishes from 20 races – coming 13th in the Italian classification and 14th in the European points standings. Last weekend he made his Auto GP debut at Monza, finishing the two races in eighth and fifth respectively.
He tested for Trident at the opening pre-season test at Estoril and was back in action for them today in Barcelona, finishing the two sessions in 17th and 13th positions.
“Of course I’m incredibly happy to have this great chance in such an important series like GP3,” said Spavone. “After the first test at Estoril the support I hoped for finally materialized.
“As I had been really satisfied with the job done with Trident Racing in Portugal, it’s been a logical step for me to sign with them for a full-time assault. I know there will be plenty of work to do and I’ll face some very experienced drivers.
“My goal is to clinch a top-10 spot as fast as possible. I expect to grow stronger at each race and battle for points in the second half of the championship.”
Team Manager Luca Zerbini said: “We’re really proud to announce the signing of another Italian young racer in the Trident Racing stable. Spavone is about to line-up for the first time in a top international series and his arrival is further confirmation of the team’s intention to contribute to the development of new Italian drivers, as he’ll join Vicky Piria.
“Antonio made a great impression in the pre-season test at Estoril, integrating with the whole team and progressively adapting to a new car. Trident Racing team will do their best to make his growth successful.”
Trident have one vacancy remaining in their lineup; Auto GP champion Kevin Ceccon is driving their third car at Barcelona this week and set impressive laptimes on his GP3 debut today.
