Photo: Alastair Staley/GP3 Series Media Service
Giovanni Venturini has re-signed with Trident Racing for the 2013 GP3 Series season.
The Italian driver joined the category with Trident mid-way during the 2012 campaign, switching from Formula Renault 3.5. He gave the outfit its first podiums in GP3 at Hockenheim and Monza.
At the end of last year he tested with rival squads ART and Status but returned to Trident for the opening pre-season test at Estoril last week, setting the second fastest time on day two. His car sported the logos of Indonesian energy firm Pertamina.
He joins compatriot and fellow GP3 podium finisher David Fumanelli as well as Formula Abarth graduate Emanuele Zonzini of San Marino.
?The decision to stay with Trident has followed a precise analysis,? said Venturini. ?During the off-season, I drove for two other teams in testing, and I’m convinvced that this is the right choice, from both a technical and personal standpoint.
?In last week’s collective test, I found a great chemistry with the car and I think we can definitely be a contender for the title. It’s going to be a hard-fought series with at least eight great candidates. In the end, I think that consistency will be the key, and that’s the main direction we’re headed.?
Only six of the new generation GP3 cars remain without a confirmed driver for the season opener in Barcelona on 11-12 May.