Photo: GP3 Media Service
Carlin GP3 racer Jann Mardenborough will make his debut in GP2 with the team this weekend at Monza.
The Nissan protege steps in for Sean Gelael, who has occupied the former seat of Marco Sorensen at the past two rounds but is committed to his full-time Formula Renault 3.5 programme this weekend at Silverstone.
Mardenborough is in his second season in GP3 after a race-winning debut campaign in 2014. He started well with fourth, third and fifth in the first three races but has not scored a point since.
His GP3 seat alongside Antonio Fuoco and Mitch Gilbert will be left vacant for Monza before he returns in Sochi
“Firstly I?m extremely excited to drive a GP2 car for the first time, it?s an opportunity that I couldn?t turn down,” said Mardenborough, who has not driven a GP2 car before but has tested similar machinery in FR3.5 and Super Formula, as well as being an LMP1 driver for Nissan.
“I want to move up to GP2 in the future so to have this experience now is very valuable.
“I want to be competitive but the challenges in GP2 are very different to GP3; with DRS and two tyres compounds, as well as longer races and pit stops, although I?m used to those from sports car racing.?It?s going to be a big step up but I?m going to give it everything.??Thanks to Carlin and Nissan for this opportunity.”
Team boss Trevor Carlin added: ?With Sean busy completing his full season in Formula Renault 3.5, we had the ideal opportunity to give a driver a taste of GP2 at one of the greatest circuits in Europe.
“Jann is a very talented and fast driver and has suffered some bad luck this season which means he hasn?t claimed the results he?s capable of.
“Although this will be a big learning curve for him, we?re pleased to give one of our GP3 drivers the opportunity to step up to the next level and will be focused on helping Jann get the most from the experience.?
Mardenborough is the second GP2 debutant announced for Monza – his former GP3 team-mate Patric Niederhauser has been called up by Lazarus.