Josef Newgarden will contest the 2010 GP3 Championship with British team Carlin.
The 2008 Formula Ford Festival Winner and 2009 MSA Formula Ford Championshiprunner-up has achieved a string of impressive results since launching his assault on theEuropean racing scene just two years ago. After becoming the first American ever towin the coveted Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch, 19 year-old Newgarden finished2009 with a series-high nine race wins, and as the leading rookie competitor.
Last week at Paul Ricard, in his first test in a GP3 car, Newgarden set the sixth fastesttime during the qualifying shoot-out for the 2010 team race numbers. Clearlydemonstrating his natural ability, Newgarden has already shown potential in whatpromises to be a fiercely competitive championship.
Speaking about the announcement, Newgarden said: “I’m thrilled to be competing in theGP3 Series with Carlin, and can’t wait to get the season underway next month. This is afantastic opportunity for me and I fully intend on making the most of it. The GP3 car isgreat – very different from anything I’ve driven previously, but with each lap I’m getting togrips with the changes and learning the car. I’m looking forward to some toughcompetition, but already I feel confident we can be strong."
Carlin's Racing Director Trevor Carlin added, "We’re very excited to have Josef join ourGP3 team this year. We enjoyed watching him in Formula Ford last year; he’s a veryexciting driver with great natural ability. His first test in the GP3 car was very successfuland he’s already fitted into the team very well. Despite his lack of experience in wingedcars, we fully expect him to be challenging for podium positions before very long."Wiley Barnard, PR representative from Newgarden’s long-time sponsor Robo-Pong,commented: "We are delighted to be associated with Josef as he takes this next big stepin his racing career. Josef has always been an excellent ambassador for our companyand we have tremendous faith that this year’s relationship in GP3 will pay big dividendsfor all of us."
The young American announces the significant step up to the feeder series for GP2 justprior to the final pre-season test at Barcelona, scheduled for 13-14 April. The seriesreturns to the Circuit de Catalunya for the season-opener on 8 May.
