Design and manufacturing of first generation GP3 car completed on schedule

With  just  over  six  weeks  to  go  until  the  initial  Series  test,  the  first  of  three  new  GP3  cars  were delivered to the teams this week, with engines ready for collection on Friday. The new chassis has been designed and built by Dallara, with hydraulics and electronics supplied by  Magneti  Marelli.  Hewland  provided  the  6  speed  paddle  shift  sequential  gearbox,  and  Brembo the steel brakes and pads.

The engine, based on a road car 2L Turbo, has been developed by the Renault F1 Team in Viry-Châtillon. After months of thorough preparation the first generation car, to be raced for a three-year period, has been completed on time.

The ten teams entered in the 2010 season now have the chance to begin readying their cars for the first official test on March 3rd at Circuit Paul Ricard.

The second batch of cars will be delivered during the first week of February as planned, and the third during the third week of February in time for the first test.

GP3 Series Organiser Bruno Michel said: “The manufacturing of the first generation GP3 car is complete and on time, and I am confident that it will achieve the same level of quality competition and reliability reached in GP2. We always kept in mind during the design process to produce a car that will offer great racing to the fans whilst keeping it affordable for the teams.

 “It’s  also  great  to  see  that  the  2010  grid  is  fast  taking  shape.  A  number  of  teams  already  have promising  young  drivers  signed  for  the  Series,  and  one  can  only  be  impressed  by  their  high- calibre.”