The 2016 to 2018 cycle for the GP3 Series will see six of the current series’ teams remain (Arden International, ART Grand Prix, Campos Racing, Jenzer Motorsport, Koiranen GP and Trident Motorsport) and two teams join the category (DAMS and Virtuosi Racing).
The grid will be made of two French outfits, two British, one Spanish, one Swiss, one Finnish and one Italian. Each team will be allowed to line up a maximum of three cars.
GP3 Series CEO Bruno Michel said: “I am very pleased to reveal the names of the eight teams that have been given an entry for the 2016, 2017 and 2018 seasons. The GP3 Series has grown into one of the most important motorsport categories, and through six strong seasons it has consolidated its position as a stepping stone to GP2 Series and Formula 1. Out of the first five GP3 Champions, Esteban Gutiérrez, Valtteri Bottas and Daniil Kvyat are in F1 whilst Mitch Evans and Alex Lynn are racing in GP2.
“In order to give more support to our teams in today’s challenging economic environment, we decided to limit the entries to eight (with three cars per outfit), and favour quality over quantity. We will reassess our position should the situation changes.
“We opted to continue with most of the existing GP3 teams but we also wanted to bring new blood which is why I’m happy to welcome both DAMS and Virtuosi Racing who have been very successful in other categories. Five of the chosen teams run also in GP2 thus creating a natural path between our two Series.
“Next on our agenda is working on the 2016 calendar with the target of racing alongside GP2 and F1 at each round. In the meantime, we continue to focus on our development test programme. So far, the results have shown that we will have a very competitive and reliable car which will make for another fiercely contested and entertaining season.”
DAM’s entry to the series comes as a result of the French outfit opting to leave Formula Renault 3.5 at the end of the year; while the teams leaving the GP3 Series are that of Carlin Motorsport and Status Grand Prix.
