GP2 news

GP3 car makes track debut

The new GP3 car made its first on-track appearance in France on Monday. The series, which is to act as an extra step-up to GP2 and will start next year, breathed for the first time as the car lapped the Paul Ricard track with Renault F1 test driver and GP2 championship leader Romain Grosjean at the wheel.

Taking to the tarmac for the first time after several months of simulation work, the Dallara-built car is equipped with a 2-litre Renault engine and Pirelli tyres. "I'm very glad to have had this first taste of the GP3 car," Grosjean said after climbing from the cockpit. "We have had a productive day with very few small problems and many good surprises, namely in terms of speed. I have been impressed by the level of reliability of the car for a first run."

GP2's championship leader drove the car in the South of France

How does the new vehicle compare to those cars of other racing formulae? "This is a great car!" he proclaimed. "It's really fun to drive and the level of downforce is already quite impressive, although we still need to determine which one will be used. Compared to a Formula Three car, the acceleration is better and speeds in fast corners are similar - one thing for sure is that the GP3 car will be notably fast! The paddle shift on the steering wheel is also a great addition to a car that will definitely prepare GP3 drivers to step into the next category, GP2."

"I am very pleased to say that the GP3 Series is well on track and the development is on time," added Bruno Michel, organiser of the championship. "Today's successful test run showed our car's strong potential and we gathered enough data to keep improving the performance and the reliability of the GP3 car. As previously announced, the entry selection process will take place next September, with the first official test session for the selected teams taking place next March."

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