After a long winter Josef Newgarden is just days away from beginning his 2010campaign, as the inaugural season of the GP3 Series prepares to get underway this weekend, inBarcelona.

All eyes will be on the Circuit de Catalunya, as the Formula One paddock descends upon thefacility for the Spanish Grand Prix – the first European race on this year’s calendar. In support ofboth Formula One and GP2, the GP3 Series will take center stage on both Saturday and Sunday,for the first two races of the championship – in which Newgarden will be looking to make an earlyimpact on the standings.

Speaking about his preparations, Newgarden said: “We tested in Barcelona a couple of weeksago, which was really positive for us, and it gave me the opportunity to learn the circuit prior toarriving for the first race. It’s going to be tough – there’s a lot of competition in the field, but I likea challenge and can’t wait to get on with it.“It’s vital for us to make steady progress and be consistent throughout the season – I think if wecan continually build on our results, we can achieve a strong showing in what is a very importantyear for me.”

Newgarden will contest the GP3 championship with British team Carlin, alongside team matesDean Smith and Lucas Foresti.

With the addition of Turkey to the calendar, eight GP3 events will support the European FormulaOne calendar, and the Series will run alongside the GP2 calendar, with the exception of MonteCarlo.

The drivers will hit the track for their very first GP3 free practice at 16.50 on Friday 7 May, withqualifying at 08.45 on Saturday 8 May. Race One will be later that day at 17.20, with the secondrace on Sunday 9 May at 09.25.