Three more cars will join the Formula Master grid in 2008 with GP2 team Trident Racing confirmed as the link between the two series gets increasingly stronger.
Team Principal Alessandro Alunni Bravi kept a close eye on Formula Master throughout the year and is so impressed with the Series, he has already secured one driver as well as key technical personnel ahead of next season.
“The moment we decided to open a second programme alongside GP2, Formula Master was the natural choice of us,” said Alunni Bravi. “The Series has a great organisation from a marketing and commercial point of view; this year has been impressive especially when you consider it is the first year!
“The technical level of the car is very good too and is very close to GP2. I really think it’s the best feeder series to GP2.”
2006 German Formula 3 Cup’s rookie of the year Harald Schlegelmilch is the first of three drivers announced for the team’s 2008 Formula Master entry. The Latvian racer tested for Trident Racing’s GP2 team last month at Paul Ricard, impressing Alunni Bravi.
“He has shown great talent already,” said the Trident Racing’s team principal. “We thought he would benefit from driving from Formula Master as his next step into international racing to refine his technical knowledge and racing skills.”
Paul Ricard was also the scene for 2007 Formula Master runner-up Chris van der Drift’s GP2 test with Trident Racing. The Dutchman is now being considered for the team’s 2008 GP2 line-up.
“I think he is one of the most talented racers in Europe,” added Alunni Bravi. “I have personally followed his progress in Formula Master this year and he is one of our first choices for next year in GP2.”
Trident Racing’s Formula Master technical staff will include their 2007 GP2 race engineer Stefano Alessi as Technical Director, race engineer Carlo Zone, joining the team from J.D. Motorsport, and Stefano Versari, former SLC Formula 3 project designer and race engineer.
“We are extremely proud and happy to announce one of the best GP2 team is joining Formula Master with three cars next season,” said Series Director Mauro Sipsz. “To be considered a GP2 feeder series less than a year after the launch of our Series, as Alunni Bravi mentioned, is tremendous.
“We are genuinely pleased to count such an important team amongst our Formula Master entries and I firmly believe this has been made possible thanks to the Series’ concept as well as the new version of the Formula Master car.”
