Rossi pleased with strong 2010 campaign

American Alexander Rossi will have to win more races next season if he wants to make it to F1. This year his title winning teammate Esteban Gutierrez simply outperformed him at most events.

Alexander Rossi is naturally disappointed to have missed out on this year’s inaugural GP3 crown although the American, who celebrates his 19th birthday next Saturday, is content with his overall progress this year as the intended journey to Formula 1 continues.

Competing alongside Mexican Champion Esteban Gutiérrez and Brazil’s Pedro Nunes at ART Grand Prix, Rossi finished the year as the team’s second highest-placed runner and a solid fourth in the championship standings.

“As a driver, my ambition is to win," commented Rossi, who resides in Italy. “Of course I would have liked to win the Drivers’ Championship but you can’t have everything all the time. I have a lot to look forward to and many successes from this year to build on."

Having endured several frustrating qualifying sessions, Alex does add that starting lower down the grid has its plus points from an onlookers’ point of view.

“The flip side to that is that it allowed me to show my abilities to race and overtake in places where others might not," he continued. “I have a lot of confidence racing close and in traffic, while working on the next move.

“While this year did not satisfy all of my expectations, I’m thankful to the entire GP3 organization for delivering such a competitive and preparatory championship as I pursue Formula 1.

"Throughout the year I was able to develop many fantastic relationships and this is incredibly important as I move forward in my career."