Dutchman Nyck de Vries has made the step up to the GP3 Series this year after signing for reigning champions ART Grand Prix.
De Vries made the move to single seater racing in 2012 when he competed in Formula Renault Eurocup. He carried on in the then World Series by Renault championship for a few years and in 2014 was crowned Eurocup Winner and Alps Formula Renault 2.0 Champion. In 2015, the final season of the Formula Renault 3.5 championship, de Vries finished in third overall and was given the “Best Rookie” accolade.
De Vries commented: “ART Grand Prix have an incredible track record and it’s the team where any young driver would like to grow. Obviously, I’m very proud to join this team, which I have known for a few years now. GP2 and GP3 are definitively the most competitive series, where most of the drivers want to go and the best school to get prepared for the highest level of Motorsport, Formula One.
“I’m used to a different brake/tyre package, and I think the biggest challenge for me will be to make sure I get the most out of the tyres in qualifying and in race trim. I am confident that working with the best team, thanks to McLaren, will help me to quickly adapt to the car to get ready for the first race in Barcelona. I already know ART Grand Prix, there’s a great atmosphere in the team and I’m looking forward to the start of the season.”
Since 2010 the 21-year-old has been part of the McLaren Young Driver Development Programme and has been supported by the Formula One team ever since. This signing demonstrates the ongoing collaboration between ART and McLaren.
ART team manager, Sebastien Philippe added: “ART Grand Prix is delighted to welcome Nyck into its GP3 squad. To help him climb the motorsport ladder is our mission and we are truly happy to do it through our collaboration with McLaren.
“Alongside his raw speed, Nyck impresses with his strong commitment, focus and determination. When you take a look at his fantastic past achievements, you know that, with Nyck, you can aim very high and our target is clearly to win the championship.”
