Gustav Malja will race in his first full season of GP2 in 2016 after signing for Italian squad Rapax, it has been announced.
The Swede, who made his series debut for Trident at the Spa-Francorchamps round in 2015, before making two further outings with Rapax in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain at the end of the year.He will join Frenchman Arthur Pic at the team.
The 20-year-old from Malmö scored points in his first feature race with a tenth place in Belgium and is optimistic that he can continue this form throughout his rookie season in GP2.
Speaking in a Rapax team statement, he said: “This is an incredible opportunity, and I’m just thrilled that my preferred option for 2016 has now become a reality.”
Malja continued: “Racing in GP2 this season will be a massive challenge, but also a real pleasure and something I can’t wait to do. I really enjoyed working with Rapax towards the end of last year and learned a lot, so I have the benefit of feeling well at home going into my rookie campaign.
I hope to take considerable steps throughout the season and I really want to thank the team and everyone around me for making this possible.”
Rapax team boss Andrea Bergamini said: “We are delighted to announce a young talented racer like Malja. Their mix is perfect for the team as they are already gearing up for the 2016 season.
He added: “For the whole team, this is a true indication of the good chemistry established right away with Gustav. We are approaching a long and challenging year relying on a talented duo featuring Pic’s experience and Malja’s determination.”
After finishing runner-up in the ADAC Formel Masters in 2012, Malja then cut his teeth in various versions of Formula Renault, firstly in BARC before a switch to NEC and Renault Eurocup for the following two seasons.
He then graduated to Formula Renault 3.5 and in 2015, secured two podium finishes en route to ninth in the final standings. His switch to GP2 sees him add to his six previous starts in the series.
Both Malja and Pic will join their GP2 counterparts in the first of two three-day pre-season tests in Barcelona on March 9-11 as they continue their preparations ahead of the season opener at the Spanish circuit in May.
