Image: GP2 Media
ART Grand Prix have signed Japanese driver Nobuharu Matsushita to partner Stoffel Vandoorne for the 2015 GP2 season.
Matsushita, 21, won the All-Japan Formula Three champion with six victories and nine podiums, on top of the 2012 Formula Challenge Japan title.
The Japanese driver sampled GP2 machinery for the first time at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi at the end of 2014, and sees a full time seat in the series as the most logical step towards Formula 1.
“I am honoured to be a part of ART, which is one of the most prestigious teams in young drivers’ promotion,” said Matsushita.
“The GP2 Series gives me the chance to race alongside great rivals, following the Formula 1 calendar all around the world.
“This is a big challenge for myself but I am determined to do my best as GP2 is the best way to race in F1, which is my dream since my childhood.”
Sébastien Philippe, the Team Manager of ART Grand Prix, said: “Nobuharu has a lot of experience in motorsport and his talent is a certainty just from reading his resume, including that he is the reigning Japanese F3 champion.
“He has no European culture, but he quickly integrated himself into the team at the Abu Dhabi tests. To finish in the top ten on his first day in GP2 was a remarkable performance.
“Nobuharu will have many new things to discover and the start of the season will be marked by a learning phase for him, but ART Grand Prix has full confidence in his qualities and in the team’s experience to help Nobuharu integrate very quickly into the discipline. With Stoffel Vandoorne by his side, he also has the ideal teammate.”
