2015 GP3 Pre-Season Test (Estoril) Preview

New Year, New Challenge

With GP3 starting in 50 days, they head off to Estoril, Spain for the first Pre-Season test. While in recent years driver announcements have been very last minute, with the recent back up of drivers trying to enter Formula One, we have seen drivers making deals earlier and earlier in the year. As a result, going into this new year, there are only 2 seats remaining for the 2015 GP3 season. This shows how hotly contested this is and how competitive the championship will be this year.

Like in Formula One, we have seen a reduction in the number of teams. With Murussia Manor Racing (GP3 team) in administration the FIA had left the space open for a new competitor however, with the current generation of GP3 cars set to be replaced at the end of 2015 the FIA has decided to run the season with 3 cars less and will introduce a new member next year.

Also coming on board this year are Campos Racing. After re-entering GP2 last year, they have extended their base by taking over Hilmer Motorsport who will focus their efforts on their GP2 team. Campos do bring a raft of experience and technology that could make them an underdog in the title fight. I definitely expect them to be fighting for wins.

As for the line-up for the test -

Wednesday 18th March: 09.00 - 12.00 // 2 hour break // 14.00 - 17.00
Thursday 19th March: 09.00 - 12.00 // 1 hour break: // 13.00 - 16.00

Carlin
1. Antonio Fuoco (ITA)
2. Jann Mardenborough (GBR)
3. Mitch Gilbert (AUS)

ART Grand Prix
4. Alfonso Celis. Jr (MEX)
5. Marvin Kirchhofer (GER)
6. Esteban Ocon (FRA)

Status Grand Prix
7. Seb Morris (GBR)
8. Alex Fontana (SUI)
9. Sandy Stuvik (THA)

Koiranen GP
10. Adderly Fong (HKG)
11. Jimmy Eriksson (SWE)
12. Matt Parry (GBR)

Arden International
14. Kevin Ceccon (ITA)
15. Emil Bernstorff (GBR)
16. Aleksander Bosak (POL)

Jenzer Motorsport
20. Pal Varhaug (NOR)
21. Matheo Tuscher (SUI)
22. Ralph Boschung (SUI)

Campos Racing
23. Zaid Ashkanani (KUW)
24. Alex Palou (ESP)
25. -

Trident
26. Artur Janosz (POL)
27. Luca Ghiotto (ITA)
28. Oscar Tunjo (COL)

Drivers who have contracts // Drivers just entered for the test


Who will be Champion?

In terms of speed, ART GP has certainly brought a talented line up as they look to claim back their constructors title. Lotus Young Driver, Estaban Ocon (2014: European F3 champion) and Marvin Kirchhofer (2014: GP3; 3rd) for the ART GP team are early favourites along with Ferrari Young driver; Fuoco (2014: European F3; 5th). As well as the other experienced GP3 drivers of Eriksson (2014: GP3; 4th) and Bernstorff (2014: GP3; 5th). While Euroformula Open champion; Sandy Stuvik and former Caterham F1 young driver's Seb Morris and Matt Parry will be gunning for the title.

What do we expect from the test?

It will probably be a chance for the teams to see what each others have brought, but will be more about the drivers getting used to the car. It will unsurprising to see the experienced GP3 drivers set fast times, but attention will be on those who can get the machine to set quick laps early on. Long run pace will also be important for the GP3 drivers.

Who will fill the remaining seats?

Well, with only 2 seats to talk of there isn't much speculation. However; it is unlikely that Mardenborough will keep the Carlin seat if he's choosing to focus on the WEC, however; considering the equipment and his ability, he would likely become a championship contender if he keeps the seat. As for other drivers, 2014 GP3 drivers, Agostini and Sa Silva have not got a drive for 2015.

Looking forward to a good 3 days of testing

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