Nikita Zlobin is the first 2015 driver to be announced by Virtuosi Racing for the upcoming Auto GP season. Nikita is the son of Sergey Zlobin, Russia's Formula 1 test-driver, and despite being only 18, he has already enjoyed a good career so far. Previously running in the Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS and in the German Formula 3 championship, he joined the SMP Racing program, created to support the best Russian prospects in their racing activities.

In addition to driving open-wheel cars, Nikita also made an appearance in the GT Open championship, where he cruised to a stunning debut podium at Monza. Zlobin isn't the first Russian racer to enter Auto GP. The series, promoted by Enzo Coloni, already welcomed in the past Sergey Afanasiev, Sergey Sirotkin, now in GP2 Series and a test-driver in Formula 1, and Max Snegirev, who entered the 2013 season with Virtuosi Racing his second Auto GP season.

Nikita Zlobin “I'm delighted to have reached an agreement with Virtuosi Racing for the 2015 season. Last year, they showed they have the best machinery in business and I'm sure we'll be able to get some outstanding results together”.

Declan Lohan “Nikita is a very talented youngster and he improved quickly during the seasons he ran so far in motorsport. We're happy to have him onboard and we'll try to take full advantage of his talent. He has the right skills to make it to the podium in Auto GP. In addition to that, we're also particularly proud to welcome SMP Racing as our team's partner”.