Marlon Stockinger signs with Status GP for GP3 Series

Rising Filipino star Marlon Stockinger has signed to join Status Grand Prix as he embarks on his second season in the GP3 Series in 2012.

Stockinger, 20, returns to the Formula One support series confident of success after an strong end-of-season testing campaign with Status GP last autumn. The Manila-based driver regularly featured in the Top 5 of the time sheets at the Barcelona, Valencia and Jerez tests, and impressed the team with his approach and feedback.

“Marlon showed well in testing, and we fully expect him to be challenging at the front of the field this year," said Status GP team principal Teddy Yip. “Experience also counts in the GP3 Series, and going into his second year Marlon is consistent and knows how to get the best out of the car and tires. We’re delighted to welcome him to the team."

Stockinger, formerly a Formula BMW Scholar and race-winner in Formula Renault UK, is the brightest driving talent to emerge from the Philippines in two decades.

“I’m glad that I will be racing with Status GP in 2012," said Stockinger. “The winter tests went very well and we were always consistently in the top five, which is crucial in such a competitive championship as GP3. I have no doubt that the team and I can put together a strong campaign, and we’ll be looking to run at the top of the field".

The 2012 GP3 Series title will be fought out at eight Formula One Grands Prix across Europe, including the new addition of a round at the Monaco Grand Prix. Drivers will also be fighting for a new prize from tire supplier Pirelli, which provides the GP3 champion with a €200,000 reward towards a GP2 Series drive.

Silverstone-based team Status GP scored victories with two drivers in the 2011 GP3 Series, and has the second highest tally of wins since the category began in 2010. Status Grand Prix will announce the remainder of its GP3 Series driver line-up in the coming weeks.