Photo: Zak Mauger/GP2 Series Media Service
Alexander Albon?has finalised his step up to GP2 with ART Grand Prix.
The Anglo-Thai driver graduates?with the French team after finishing runner-up in GP3 last year to team-mate Charles Leclerc.
The former Red Bull and Lotus Formula 1 junior driver partners Honda protege Nobuharu Matsushita in the squad’s GP2 line-up.
Albon?set the pace on only his second day in a GP2 car in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi in December.
“I am really excited to be working with ART Grand Prix for a second year,” he said.
“I learnt a huge amount last year and we have become one big close family.
“Moving up to the GP2 Series is an important step in anyone’s career and I am extremely fortunate to be with a top team who already understand me.
“There’s a lot to learn coming from GP3, and the experience and method of working at ART Grand Prix is the reason they have won so many titles.”
Team manager Sebastien Philippe said Albon impressed the outfit last year with?his move from Formula 3.
“In GP3 in 2016, Alex exceeded all of ART Grand Prix? expectations by integrating himself instantly into the company and fighting for pole position and victories from the first race weekend of the season,” said Philippe.
“He didn?t need a period of adaptation to become one of the best drivers in the category and he didn?t stop progressing throughout the year.
“He missed the title by very little and it was through no fault of his own, either sporting or personal why he didn?t clinch it.
“Alex soon had all the makings of a GP2 driver at ART Grand Prix and we are delighted to continue our collaboration for another year.”