German Formula Three champion Tom Dillmann has joined the Carlin team for his switch to the GP3 Series for 2011.
The 21-year-old Frenchman raced in the F3 Euro Series from 2007 until 2009, but struggled, particularly with budget difficulties restricting him to part campaigns in the latter two years. In 2010 he relaunched his single-seater career by winning the German F3 series, taking six victories along the way.
“I am really happy to be racing in GP3 this year,” said Dillmann. “The last three seasons have been very difficult for me due to budget problems but this has only made me stronger as a driver. I am very grateful to have such an opportunity in GP3 this season and have to thank my new management Luxury Racing.
“GP3 offers very relevant experience on F1 circuits and the series has a good profile racing on the F1 support package. For sure with Carlin I have everything I need to make a strong attack on the season and ultimately fight for the title. I'm really looking forward to getting to know the team at the first test in Paul Ricard.”
Team boss Trevor Carlin is pleased to have Dillmann racing for him this year. “I've been impressed with Tom's race craft having watched him first hand in F3 Euro Series and he beat some very talented drivers to the German F3 crown last year so there's no denying his talent. I'm delighted that Tom will be with us for the first tests of the season this week. I think we've got a very strong team this season and I look forward to seeing them on track at Paul Ricard.”
Dillmann joins Conor Daly in Carlin's GP3 lineup for the 2011 season. Formula BMW Asia graduate Kotaro Sakurai will drive the team's third car on the opening day of pre-season testing, which gets underway at Paul Ricard in France on 3rd March.
