GP3 Series graduate and WEC driver Richie Stanaway will begin the 2015 GP2 Series season this weekend in Bahrain with Status Grand Prix.
Stanaway, who was a multiple race winner and title contender for Status in GP3, impressed the team during pre-season testing in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi, where he set the pace on day three.
The 23 year-old will drive alongside Lotus F1 junior, Marlon Stockinger at the season opener on April 18-19.
Team Principal Teddy Yip Jr insists that the team want Stanaway for the entirety of the GP2 season and he hopes that himself and Stanaway’s sponsors can work towards making that happen.
“Since completing the post-season test in Abu Dhabi for us last year Richie has been our GP2 driver of choice to team up with GP3 race winner Marlon Stockinger,” said Yip Jr. “And we have been working closely with Richie’s supporters to make this happen.”
“There is no question about Richie’s talent as a driver and we have first-hand experience of his commitment and desire to win following our joint GP3 campaign last year.
“I’m convinced that with the right resources he could be a future World Champion and I sincerely hope we can find a way for Richie to contest the full GP2 season with Status Grand Prix.”
Stanaway believes that given the chance he and the team could mount a season-long title challenge.
“Having completed all of the GP2 pre-season tests with the team, I know how strong we can be,” said Stanaway. “The engineers have so much experience, it’s a pleasure to work with them and is really confidence inspiring.
“We seem to work on the same frequency and I’m sure there is no limit to what we can achieve as a team given the chance.”
Stanaway then added: “I would like to thank Teddy and David for having confidence in my ability and allowing me to drive for Status in their first GP2 race.
“The Series is always tough for rookies but that is part of the appeal, my aim remains to reach Formula 1 and being competitive in GP2 brings me one step closer to achieving that.”
