Image courtesy of GP2 Media
Richie Stanaway has been confirmed with Status Grand Prix for the upcoming pre-season GP2 test in Abu Dhabi.
After collecting a number of race wins with the team in GP3, the Kiwi took part in the post-season GP2 test at the end of 2014, ending the day as the fastest rookie.
The 23-year-old was a title contender for the 2014 GP3 title, registering two victories and five podiums, but eventually lost out to British driver Alex Lynn.
Stanaway believes stepping up to GP2 would be a logical step, and hopes the upcoming test will be enough for him to earn the second race seat alongside Marlon Stockinger.
“Testing the GP2 car with Status again next week is a great opportunity for me and will be like joining the dots after being so competitive in last year’s post season test,” said Stanaway.
“Stepping up from GP3 to the GP2 car for just one day wasn’t quite long enough to reach my full potential last year. Now I am competing in the full three-day test it will be a huge benefit to me, enabling me to get up to speed and learn everything I can from the team.
“I am very happy to be back with Status and the familiar faces. We work well as a unit and I have full confidence that we can make the most of the test next week.”
Teddy Yip Jr, the team principal for the Status Grand Prix outfit, praised the loyalty showed by Stanaway by sticking with the team.
“Richie is an extremely talented racing driver and following a very strong performance for us in GP3 and an impressive GP2 test, we are delighted to welcome him back into the fold. Loyalty is something we value at Status. This is our debut GP2 season and having worked very closely with Richie and his team of supporters, we know from experience we have a winning partnership.”
