GP3 Series Returns to on Track Action with First Test in Estoril

The long wait is finally over! GP3 seriesTM is back on track in 2012 with the first official test session in Portugal. Testing takes place over two days - 21-22 February at the Estoril circuit and gives teams and drivers their first opportunity to get a feel with the car - the GP3 10 and to integrate within their squad.

GP3 Series Credit: GP3 Series

The test will feature many new faces and those drivers will be getting behind the wheel of a GP3 car for the very first time. This test in Estoril is one of three pre-season tests, with Barcelona and Silverstone to come over the next two months before the season commences.

Reigning Champions and newly named Lotus GP will be the team everyone will be watching. Their two confirmed drivers of Daniel Abt and Aaro Vaino will be in the car, along with American Conor Daly. Abt joins the GP3 Series highly rated and will be one of the newcomers keen to make a positive first impression.

New to the series for 2012 are Trident Racing, who will field four drivers over the two days including the recently announced, Vicky Piria. The young Italian will become the first female driver in the history of the Series. Trident have only revealed Piria so far as part of their line-up, so will be using the test as a chance to evaluate potential drivers for the season ahead which begins in Barcelona in May.

MW Arden and Marussia Manor Racing will be using their confirmed driver line ups, whilst Status Grand Prix will have Miki Wekstrom (making his debut in a GP3 car) and the experienced Alexander Sims testing the car alongside Marlon Stockinger, the latter having already signed for 2012 with the Irish squad.

Tech 1 Racing have one representative with Robert Cregan behind the wheel - who will also be making his debut. Jenzer Motorsport will be led by their new Romanian driver, Robert Visoiu, with Patric Niederhauser and Mateo Tuscher also testing for the Swiss team.

Carlin Racing's Alex Brundle will be making his maiden appearance for the British team, with Antonio Felix Da Costa and William Buller also sharing the time in the car. Atech CRS GP will have Ethan Ringel (already confirmed) and Tamas Pal Kiss testing.

Thirteen drivers who will be testing already have their contract with GP3 for the coming year, with eleven drivers on show who will want showcase their ability in their hopes of landing a seat for the season. Warm temperatures are predicted at the coastal venue.

Day 1 will be split in the morning session 09-00-12.00 and the afternoon session 14.00-17.00 while Day 2's afternoon session will be from 13.00 till 16.00.

Please note that RSC Mücke Motorsport will not attend this test.

 
#   Driver                License Team Name

1   Daniel Abt              GER   LOTUS GP 
2   Conor Daly              USA   LOTUS GP 
3   Aaro Vainio             FIN   LOTUS GP 
4   Mitch Evans             NZL   MW ARDEN 
5   David Fumanelli         ITA   MW ARDEN 
6   Matias Laine            FIN   MW ARDEN 
7   Dmitry Suranovich       RUS   MARUSSIA MANOR RACING 
8   Fabiano Machado         BRA   MARUSSIA MANOR RACING 
9   Tio Ellinas             CYP   MARUSSIA MANOR RACING 
14  Marlon Stockinger       PHI   STATUS GRAND PRIX 
15  Alexander Sims          GBR   STATUS GRAND PRIX 
16  Miki Weckstrom          FIN   STATUS GRAND PRIX 
17  Robert Cregan           IRL   TECH 1 RACING 
18  TBA                           TECH 1 RACING 
19  TBA                           TECH 1 RACING 
20  Robert Visoiu           ROM   JENZER MOTORSPORT 
21  Patric Niederhauser     SUI   JENZER MOTORSPORT 
22  Mateo Tuscher           SUI   JENZER MOTORSPORT 
23  Vicky Piria             ITA   TRIDENT RACING 
24  Antonio Spavone         ITA   TRIDENT RACING 
25  Nico Muller             SUI   TRIDENT RACING 
26  Alex Brundle            GBR   CARLIN 
27  Antonio Felix Da Costa  POR   CARLIN 
28  William Buller          GBR   CARLIN 
29  Tamas Pal Kiss          HUN   ATECH CRS GP 
30  TBA                           ATECH CRS GP 
31  Ethan Ringel            USA   ATECH CRS GP 

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