2015 Formula Renault 3.5 Series champion Oliver Rowland will race full-time in the GP2 Series in 2016 after securing a drive with MP Motorsport.
The Racing Steps Foundation graduate returns to GP2 after making four appearances in 2015 alongside his Renault 3.5 commitments, competing at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps for MP before racing in the final two races for Status Grand Prix.
Rowland also raced in conjunction with MP Motorsport in 2013 when he finished runner-up in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 Series with the Dutch outfit.
“Having worked and lived with the MP Motorsport guys in the Netherlands throughout my second year in Eurocup, we developed a really strong relationship which I hope we can capitalise on in GP2 this year,” said Rowland.
“We quickly re-established that productive partnership with a half decent debut at Silverstone last July. So I hope we can start where we left off and make a strong impression in the paddock in 2016.”
MP Motorsport team manager Sander Dorsman has welcomed the reunion between team and driver for 2016, and hopes the outfit can provide Rowland with the opportunity to fight towards the front of the field on a regular basis.
“We have worked hard to make this reunion happen,” said Dorsman. “Oliver is a fantastic driver and the performances he delivered in Formula Renault 3.5 and in the MP Motorsport GP2 car last year show what an outstanding talent he is.
“We are acutely aware that for him this is a make or break year in terms of his Formula 1 aspirations. So we will be doing everything in our power to ensure we engineer a car that will enable him to deliver.”
