Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne has been confirmed to be returning to the GP2 Series in 2015 with ART Grand Prix and will be aiming to go one better than in his debut season in 2014.
The McLaren F1 test driver finished second to Jolyon Palmer in the 2014 championship for ART, winning four times including first time out in Bahrain. He also took a record breaking four consecutive pole positions at the end of the season.
The twenty-two-year-old is eager to get back on track and fight for the championship, and will head into the season as one of the title favourites.
“In the wake of a great season in 2014, I am very happy to continue with ART Grand Prix in GP2,” said Vandoorne. “We showed we are the team to beat and many of our competitors have already pointed to us as their target, it’s normal and rather flattering.
“I am confident because it will be my second year with a fantastic team that I know well. Apart from the DRS, the regulations won’t change and I now have experience of the circuits, races, pit stops and tyre management. The objective is clear: we want to win the title.”
ART Grand Prix Team Manager Sebastien Philippe insisted the decision to retain the services of Vandoorne was obvious, and he was delighted to have retained a proven race winner.
“The results of our first collaboration with Stoffel in GP2 in 2014 speak louder than words,” said Philippe. “He is part of that breed of naturally talented drivers, who work hard and are brilliant technically. He is instantly able to adapt in a professional context so he can make the most of the car and his colleagues.
“His personal qualities are also strong with his high ambitions similar to that of ART Grand Prix. After an outstanding first year where he missed out on the title by very little, it makes sense that we continue this partnership in the quest for the title in 2015.”
The GP2 Series season starts at the Bahrain International Circuit on April 18th.
