Marlon Stockinger raises the Philippine flag at Silverstone

The British Grand Prix, long acknowledged as the spiritual home of Formula One, has been drawing in crowds both local and foreign every year since 1950. This year’s GP weekend is no different. Fans from all over trooped down to Silverstone to catch their favorite teams and drivers. In 2015, the Philippine flag flies proudly in the paddock. Our very own Marlon Stockinger will be competing in GP2 for the Status Grand Prix team. This is Marlon’s rookie season in GP2 after stints in GP3 and Formula Renault 3.5.
GP2  poses a huge challenge for the young Stockinge. The car not only handles differently from his previous steeds, but he has to come to terms with all the technical information and nuances of his car. GP2 is seen as a feeder series for future Formula One drivers. Current F1 championship contenders Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg are graduates of the series.

“He needs more seat time,” says his father Tom. “Recently, we have been contacted by Lotus to have Marlon race again in the Formula Renault 3.5 World Series for the remainder of the 2015 season. His next race will be at the A1 Ring – Austria”. Lotus contracted Marlon to drive the remainder of the season as long as it does not clash with his GP2 commitments.

This news was welcomed in the Stockinger camp. It proves that Marlon has what it takes to compete, and that Lotus has faith in his abilities and is willing to bankroll his career. Simply put, Lotus is all praises for the young Stockinger.

Racing in both the Renault World Series and in GP2 will surely hone his skills and could take his career to the next level. With support from his family, team and sponsors, we might see the Philippine flag displayed proudly in the pinnacle of motorsports, Formula One.