Louis seals the chance to make his GP2 debut
Switzerland’s Louis Delétraz will make his GP2 debut at Yas Marina, UAE on 25-27 November.
The highly-rated 19-year-old will drive for the British-based Carlin squad at the final round of the 2016 GP2 series.
Having finished as an impressive runner up in this season’s Formula V8 3.5 series and claimed the ‘Rookie of the Year’ title with 13 victories in 18 races, Louis has set his sights on securing a full-time GP2 seat in 2017.
Contesting the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix support races presents the Renault Sport Academy driver with a good opportunity to familiarise himself with the current GP2 car.
“GP2 is where I want to be in 2017 because you’re racing on the same weekend and on the same tracks as F1. It’s the championship you have to be in and where you have to perform if you want to reach the top,” Louis said.
“It’s very good news that we have the opportunity to start our GP2 learning with Carlin for the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.
“It’s going to be a big step up because I have zero GP2 experience. I’m going to have to learn a new car, new tyres, a new track and work with a new team.
“But it will be a fantastic experience to learn everything from how the race weekend works to how the tyre degradation can affect a car.
“I’m excited to have this opportunity to make by debut and to see what the performance is like on the Yas Marina track.”
Racing director, Trevor Carlin, welcomed Louis to his team’s driver line up. He said: “We’re pleased to have Louis on board for the final round of the season at Abu Dhabi. We’ve watched Louis during the 2016 season and he has impressed us with his ability to be challenging for the Formula V8 3.5 title in only his rookie season.
“Abu Dhabi will be a learning curve for him and no doubt he will take a lot from the experience of racing in the GP2 car. We’re excited to have him in the cockpit and look forward to working with him in Abu Dhabi.”
Louis, who will be proudly supported by ADS Securities at Yas Marina, has now earned enough points to secure an FIA Super Licence after his Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup and NEC successes in 2015 and finishing as runner up in 2016 Formula V8 3.5 series.
