The distinctive Ocean blue will be present on the GP3 grid from this season - Photo Credit: Alastair Staley/GP2 Media Service
Ocean Racing Technology have become the latest team to join the GP3 Series after taking over the entry of Tech 1 Racing.
The Portuguese squad, run by Jose Guedes and former F1 driver Tiago Monteiro, has been competing in the GP2 Series since 2009 when it took over the BCN operation. In three seasons they have scored two race wins.
They take over the GP3 entry of French outfit Tech 1, whose lack of commitment to the series was shown by their lacklustre two-car effort in testing at Estoril a couple of weeks ago. In two years in the series they scored one win last year. They will now focus on their Formula Renault 3.5 and 2.0 teams.
“After Ocean was given an entry into GP2 Series and following the inception of GP3, our goal has always been to put in place a GP3 team as well,” said Ocean's bosses. “However we did not expect it to be so soon, but the opportunity to take over from Tech 1 arose and we decided to take it.”
GP3 chief Bruno Michel commented: “We are very happy to welcome Ocean Racing Technology to GP3. They become the fifth team involved in both of our Series along with Lotus GP, Arden Motorsport, Carlin and more recently, Trident Racing. It is a great opportunity for the Portuguese Ocean’s Racing team. This new season is set to be another thrilling one.”
Ocean will be one of at least two newcomers to the GP3 grid this season, with Trident having taken over the entry of Addax. Mucke meanwhile are reportedly looking to quit the series after being absent from the Estoril test.
Ocean’s first race weekend in GP3 will be the 2012 season opener at Barcelona on 11-13 May. Their first opportunity to test will come at the same circuit on Monday and Tuesday next week. We can anticipate that Monteiro’s protege Antonio Felix da Costa will possibly be amongst their driver lineup.
