Arthur Pic has agreed a deal to race for Rapax for the forthcoming GP2 Series season after switching from Campos in the off-season.
The Frenchman, younger brother of former Marussia and Caterham F1 driver Charles, tested with the team at the post-season test in Abu Dhabi and will compete in his third year in the category.
Italian team Rapax were one of the stand-out figures in the 2015 season, taking Sergey Sirotkin to victory in the Silverstone feature race and third in the final standings. They also took Pastor Maldonado to the title in 2010.
Pic, 24, took one win in Hungary during his maiden season in 2014 en route to 7th in the table before enduring a more difficult 2015, taking just two podiums. But with a change of scenery ahead of 2016, Pic believes Rapax is able to give him his best opportunity of fighting for the coveted GP2 title.
In a Rapax press release, Pic said: “I’m delighted to be joining Rapax for my third campaign in GP2 Series. I wanted to be part of a front-running team that can challenge for the title.
“The decision to join Rapax was also made easier when I visited the team and could witness at first hand the great family spirit and atmosphere there was at the factory,” Pic added.
Pic’s performance in the close-season test caught the attention Rapax Managing Director Andrea Bergamini who has high hopes for the Frenchman ahead of the new season.
“The arrival of a talented racer like Arthur will enable us to start an early work program aimed at achieving some very ambitious goals in a championship which is renowned for the high level of competition,” said Bergamini.
He added: “We are determined to continue on the same path and aim for the top once again.”
Amid renewed optimism for the Frenchman, Pic admits that he will have to stand out amidst strong competition if he is to catch the eye of prospective F1 bosses.
“With several race winners returning to the series, this year is shaping up to be another hotly contested affair but I am sure we have what it takes to achieve our goals.”
“[Rapax] were especially competitive and consistent last year and I look forward to building on this to enjoy even more success in 2016.”
Despite his youth, Pic is already vastly experienced in single seater racing. On top of his two previous seasons in GP2, he spent three years in Formula V.8 3.5 (née Formula Renault 3.5) where he enjoyed a mix of success and frustration. His most successful year in the series came in 2012 while racing for DAMS. There, he took a win and a third place as well as two pole positions on his way to 8th in the championship.
With a junior CV such as Pic’s, it is a sign of positivity on the part of Rapax in signing the Frenchman.
Bergamini agrees: “Rapax have worked hard to lay some solid foundations for 2016.
“[Pic’s] trust confirms the valuable work done by Rapax in the recent seasons which culminated in a superb 2015 run among the championship’s frontrunners.”
