The British teams set to take part in 2010’s inaugural GP3 season have got their hands on the first of the three cars they will be racing when the series kicks off in May.
Carlin, Manor and Hitech are the UK-based squads set to be competing in the 10-strong series, set up as a feeder series to GP2 and therefore F1, and due to launch at Barcelona on May 8-9. Irish team Status GP, which ran the Team Ireland car to a championship win in A1GP, is also signed up.
The first test of 2010 is due to be held at Le Castellet, France, on March 3-4 with further testing taking place at the same venue on March 31-April 1 and the teams are now in a position to start readying the cars for those events.
The cars’ chassis has been designed and built by Dallara, with hydraulics and electronics supplied by Magneti Marelli. The engine, based on a road car two-litre turbo, has been developed by the Renault F1 Team at its engine plant in Viry-Châtillon, France.
The organisers say that, after months of preparation the first generation car, to be raced for a three-year period, has been completed on time. The second batch of cars are due be delivered during the first week of February and the third during the third week of February in time for the first test.
Series organiser Bruno Michel said: “The manufacturing of the first generation GP3 car is complete and on time, and I am confident that it will achieve the same level of quality competition and reliability reached in GP2.
“We always kept in mind during the design process to produce a car that will offer great racing to the fans whilst keeping it affordable for the teams. “It’s also great to see that the 2010 grid is fast taking shape.
“A number of teams already have promising young drivers signed for the series, and one can only be impressed by their high calibre.”