Marlon Stockinger moves closer to F1 with GP2 contract

Stockinger (center) during a presscon.

Filipino-Swiss race car driver Marlon Stockinger moves one step closer to a possible Formula One career, as he announced his move to GP2 racing. GP2 was established as a feeder series for drivers to be considered for an F1 drive. The open-wheel racing series uses a standard chassis, engine and tires to allow driver ability to be the winning factor. Many races take place as support events for Formula One races. Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton graduated to F1 from GP2.

The 23-year old Stockinger posted ” I’m glad to announce that I will be racing in GP2 this year with Status Grand Prix. A big thank you to everyone…” Stockinger started his formula career with Status Grand Prix in the 2012 GP3 series, then moved to the Lotus F1 Juniors team for the 2013 Formula Renault series. He also raced in Formula Renault 3.5 in 2014, earning two podium finishes and ninth in the series standings.

Status Grand Prix Engineering Ltd is a UK-based enterprise. They took over Caterham Racing’s GP2 team and now have a multi-year contract to run two cars in the GP2 series. Status Grand Prix confirmed Marlon Stockinger as the first signing of their inaugural GP2 campaign.

Stockinger was quoted on the team’s website as saying, “It is really good to come back to Status and I have a lot of happy memories from our time in GP3, especially winning in Monaco. The team are based at Silverstone which is where my European racing career kicked off and it feels very nostalgic and positive. I feel very excited to be back with the team in my first GP2 season.

“GP2 is a tough championship and this year there are some very big names chasing the title. As a rookie, I think the best thing is to aim to be in the points and finish in the top ten, progressing one step at a time and learning as much as possible during pre-season testing.

“My fans are already so excited about what I am doing this season and guessing which team I am with. It is pretty cool that motorsport is growing more popular in the Philippines and I am really thankful to have so much support.”