The Virgin Racing team have confirmed that the most successful of their three Manor Racing GP3 Series drivers throughout the 2011 season will secure a full test drive in their Formula One car at the end of the year.
The Manor Racing GP3 team is affiliated with Virgin Racing, which was originally called Manor GP on the Formula One entry list before the title sponsorship from Richard Branson's company arrived.The Formula One prize test was offered in the 2010 season as well, with Indonesian driver Rio Haryanto securing a test in the VR-01 car at the end of season Young Driver test after he finished 5th overall in the standings.
Haryanto's prize was a whopping 21 laps in a VR-01 car during the first day of the young driver test in Abu Dhabi, with the youngster ending the day 14th in the standings.
The newly Marussia-backed Formula One tea will also add another string to their development series bow in 2011 when they link up with the almost-interesting new Formula KGP karting series.
Confirmation that the test drive would again feature as an incentive for 2011 came on Saturday, as the newly-renamed 'Marussia Manor Racing' GP3 team confirmed their 2011 line-up.
Haryanto will stay on for another season with the team, as well as poshly-named Englishman Adrian Quaife-Hobbs. The pair will be joined by German ex-F3 Euroseries Matias Laine.
Speaking as the drivers were confirmed, team boss John Booth bragged that: "It's going to be another interesting season in GP3. 2011 looks promising and I'm sure we can be up there with the top teams.
"Both Rio and Adrian did a fantastic job last year, and I'm sure they are ready to reveal more of their potential.
"I would also like to welcome Matias to the team and wish the three of them a successful season. I have no doubt they will do a great job."
Manor's confirmation of their line-up means that 20 of the 30 seats on the grid for GP3's second season of action are now filled.
The season will commence at the Turkish Grand Prix weekend in early May.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
