©Formula V8 3.5
Renault Sport Academy member Louis Delétraz is confident he can secure “some good results” for his maiden full GP2 Series campaign in 2017.
The Swiss ace, who is mentored by Romain Grosjean, finished runner-up in the 2016 Formula V8 3.5, narrowly missing out on the title in the season finale. Delétraz made his GP2 debut with Carlin in Abu Dhabi last month, retiring in the Feature Race before finishing 17th in the Sprint event.
The 19-year-old then took part in the three-day post-season test with Racing Engineering before being announced as part of the Spanish team’s 2017 line-up.
“GP2 is where I want to be in 2017 since after the strong season in Formula V8, it's the natural next step in my career,” Delétraz said.
“It's the final category before reaching Formula One and getting to F1 is my primary goal. Racing Engineering are a good team and have produced some top results during the last five years. For me, there's no better option and I am very happy with the choice.
“As a rookie, I'll have much to learn during the next season. We all know that the most difficult point in GP2 is learning the Pirelli tyres, so it's very important to gave a good team behind you so they can help you as a driver and work well together.
“To get the deal sorted before the 2017 season even begins is excellent news because it allows us all to form a good partnership and to make sure that we all know! what we're doing.
“We worked very well together during the three-day test in Abu Dhabi, so I really think we can get some good results in 2017.”
Racing Engineering has fielded the likes of Indy 500 winner Alexander Rossi and Manor development driver Jordan King in recent years. Delétraz will not be the only high-profile rookie in the a field that also includes Ferrari juniors Charles Leclerc and Antonio Fuoco.
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