Louis Delétraz will make his first appearance in the GP2 Series after replacing Marvin Kirchhöfer in the Carlin line-up for the Abu Dhabi finale.
The Swiss driver, part of the Renault Sport Academy and the runner-up in the Formula V8 3.5 championship in 2016, has been linked to a move to the championship for 2017, but will get the opportunity to get some experience at the Yas Marina Circuit as he partners Sergio Canamasas.
“GP2 is the championship that I want to race in next season so it’s great that I have the opportunity to contest the final race of the season with Carlin,” said Delétraz.
“They are a very experienced team and have been successful in GP2 after finishing second in the 2014 championship. That’s something that will benefit me as I start to learn about a completely new racing formula.
“It’s going to be a big challenge at Yas Marina because I have no previous GP2 experience. I’ll be learning a new car, a different kind of tyre, a new track and working with a new team.
“I’m definitely excited by the opportunity to make my GP2 debut and test myself in a new category. It will be interesting to see what the performance is like in Abu Dhabi.”
Team owner Trevor Carlin admits he is happy to allow Delétraz the opportunity to race for his team in Abu Dhabi, and believes the Swiss driver will take a lot of experience away with him.
“We’re pleased to have Louis on board for the final round of the season at Abu Dhabi,” said Carlin. “We’ve watched Louis over the course of the season and he has impressed us with his ability to be challenging for the Formula V8 3.5 title in only his rookie season.
“Abu Dhabi will be a learning curve for him and no doubt he will take on a lot from the experience of racing in the GP2 car but we’re excited to have him in the cockpit and look forward to working with him in Abu Dhabi.”
