Photo: Sam Bloxham / LAT Photographic
Eurocup Formula Renault 2013 runner-up Oliver Rowland and GP3 podium finisher Alex Fontana are two big names to join GP3’s post-season test at Abu Dhabi, with both scheduled for a full three-day programme.
Rowland, 21, is supported by the Racing Steps Foundation and has raced in Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 in 2012 and 2013, narrowly missing out on the title this year.
Having done the 2013 campaign with Dutch squad Manor MP, he is reportedly looking to step up to Formula Renault 3.5 next year with Fortec. In the GP3 test, with the series also remaining an option for the future, Rowland will do two days with the familiar Manor squad and one day with team champions ART.
Lotus F1 junior Fontana, who won the European F3 Open championship in 2011, finished 17th in a tough rookie GP3 season with Jenzer, scoring a maiden podium at Silvestone. The 21-year-old will do all three days with ART Grand Prix.
Protyre Formula Renault race winner Ivan Taranov has also confirmed his presence at the test, reportedly testing with the new Russian Time GP3 squad.
GP3 testing lineup so far
Carlin: Jann Mardenborough, Nicholas Latifi, Luis Sa Silva, Emil Bernstorff, David Pittard
ART: Alex Fontana, Oliver Rowland, Emanuele Zonzini
Trident: Roman de Beer, Juan Branger
Russian Time: Ivan Taranov*
Koiranen : Dean Stoneman, Santiago Urrutia*
Jenzer: Kevin Jorg, Levin Amweg
MW Arden: Emanuele Zonzini
Marussia Manor: Oliver Rowland, Melville McKee
* to be confirmed