Three years after entering the high peaks of auto racing’s GP2 Series, Ocean Racing Technology is also joining the F1 feeder series’ little sister, GP3, whose races are held on the same European circuits as the GP2 Series and the F1 world championship. Ocean’s chance to join the GP3 Series came when Tech1 Racing announced that it was discontinuing its participation in the championship. Next week in Barcelona, the Portuguese team will take part in GP3 Series tests for the first time in its history, in the context of the official off-season tests.
For the Portuguese team led by José Guedes and Tiago Monteiro, this commitment represents a major step in the evolution of the organization. “After Ocean’s participation in the GP2 Series, we always intended to try and form a GP3 team. We were waiting for the right chance to come along, but we didn’t think it would happen this winter. The departure of Tech1 Racing created an opportunity and we decided to take it,” Ocean Racing Technology’s directors explained.
Bruno Michel, GP2 and GP3 Series CEO said of Ocean’s involvement, “We are delighted to welcome Ocean Racing Technology to the GP3 Series. It will be the fifth team involved in both series, after Lotus GP, Arden Motorsport Carlin, and more recently, Trident Racing. It is a great opportunity for the Portuguese organization. This year, we expect the championship to be very competitive once again.”
José Guedes and Tiago Monteiro will now focus their efforts on recruiting drivers to compete in the 2012 championship with Ocean Racing Technology, for the GP3 Series’ eight race weekends. The first race weekend of the season takes place in Barcelona on May 12 and 13.