Ferrari Driver Academy youngster Antonio Fuoco has joined reigning GP3 champions Carlin for the 2015 season. The 18 year-old Italian, who competed in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship in 2014, is the first driver to be confirmed for the team’s 2015 GP3 campaign.
Fuoco has competed in a number of championships before making the lucrative step up to GP3. The Italian impressed in F3, Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS and the Florida Winter Series.
In his opening season of F3 in 2014 the youngster took two race wins at Silverstone and Austria, claiming 10 podiums in the process.
Prior to the 2014 season, Fuoco was the 2013 Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS champion in his first year of single seater racing. Single seater success along with a strong karting career helped the youngster to become part of the Ferrari Driver Academy.
The 18 year-old already has some experience with Carlin after he impressed the team during GP3 winter testing in Abu Dhabi in November.
Fuoco is relishing the challenge of GP3 and believes he can achieve good results this year.
“I am so happy about this new venture,” said an elated Fuoco. “I have decided to switch category and face this new challenge by competing in the GP3 series.
“I tested the car last November in Abu Dhabi and I immediately found the pace I need to be on top of the grid. Being part of a successful team such as Carlin gives me the necessary tools to achieve important results.”
Trevor Carlin also has a lot of faith in Fuoco’s ability and believes he can help lead the team to victory.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Antonio to the team,” said Carlin. “He did a great job testing with us in Abu Dhabi and we’re very grateful to the Ferrari Driver Academy for trusting us with the next stage in Antonio’s career.
“Our only aim is to win our second consecutive team and drivers’ titles in GP3 and with Antonio we believe we already have one driver who is capable of that. We look forward to working with Antonio in the next few months to prepare the strongest possible start to the season.”
