2015 FIA Formula 3 European Champion and Macau Grand Prix winner Felix Rosenqvist will take to the wheel of a GP2 Series car for the first time in his career next week, joining the Formula 1 feeder category’s official post-season test in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates).
24-year-old Rosenqvist, the first Swede in history to claim the European F3 title, will drive for his regular 2015 outfit Prema as the Italian squad initiates preparations ahead of its maiden GP2 Series campaign in 2016. Rosenqvist is set to undertake driving duties on an as of yet unspecified number of days of the December 2-4 test, staged at the spectacular Yas Marina Circuit.
“GP2 is something I’ve been wanting to try for the last couple of years, so finally getting this opportunity is fantastic,” says Felix Rosenqvist. “It will certainly be an exciting experience – a new car, new tyres and a new track – but I honestly couldn’t feel more ready for it. The GP2 car has roughly three times the power of what I’m used to from F3, which should be interesting, but hopefully it won’t take too long to adapt. I’m particularly pleased to be doing this test with Prema, and to contribute in their early preparations for next year.”
The GP2 Series holds status as Formula 1’s main support category, and is considered the final step on the road to motorsport’s premier division. Several current F1 greats, including the likes of Romain Grosjean, Nico Rosberg and triple world champion Lewis Hamilton, have enjoyed successful spells in GP2 on their way to stardom.
The imminent test at Yas Marina Circuit will take place just a few days after the 2015 finale is staged at the same venue as part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend, with Rosenqvist already on site in the emirate to commence preparations.
“Felix has done an incredible job for us this year, winning the European Championship and the Macau Grand Prix, and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity in Abu Dhabi,” says René Rosin (team manager, Prema). “He will be part of our very first acquaintance with GP2, and we have an extensive programme to cover as we prepare to enter the championship next season. We all understand the kind of challenge ahead of us, but I’m absolutely convinced that Felix will find his feet very quickly and be a great asset to us in this exciting new project.”
For more information on GP2, please visit www.gp2series.com.
