British F3 International runner-up Oliver Turvey is hoping for a front-running GP2 drive next year – despite losing out to 18-year-old team-mate Jaime Alguersuari in the junior series’ final round.
The 21-year-old Carlin Motorsport driver, who recently tested with GP2 teams ART Grand Prix and iSport International, is due to further showcase his talents with a drive in next month’s Macau Grand Prix – long regarded as a proving-ground for young drivers with an eye on F1.
Turvey’s backers have stated that he hopes to win the race. He told Autosport.com in a recent interview: “GP2 is where I want to be. I felt really positive after the tests and I think ART were impressed with what I did.
“If I can get in with a top team, I’ll want to go for the title in the first year and I don’t see why we couldn’t. This year with Carlin has shown what’s possible with the best team.”
Turvey is currently funded by the Racing Steps Foundation, an organisation that helps talented but financially disadvantaged young drivers to race in senior formulas.
Founder Graham Sharp has confirmed that Turvey will enjoy its backing next year. He said: “It’s our philosophy to only work with the top teams in each formula and we will continue to follow that.
“A lot of people want to drive for the top teams and they rightly have the freedom to pick whoever they want.
“I hope that Oliver has impressed them and, if they want to take him, there’s a decent chance that the money will be raised.”