McLaren junior driver Nyck de Vries has joined the 2016 GP3 Series grid, racing with ART Grand Prix.
The 21-year-old has won numerous European and World karting championships and made the jump to single seaters in 2012, competing in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 series. He was crowned 2014 Eurocup Winner and Alps Formula Renault 2.0 Champion in the same year.
The Dutch driver then moved up to Formula Renault 3.5 Series in 2015, finishing third overall, winning the "Best Rookie" award.
De Vries said he is "very proud" to be debuting with such a well-respected outfit where he will race alongside Japanese driver Nirei Fukuzumi at the French outfit.
"ART Grand Prix have an incredible track record and it’s the team where any young driver would like to grow," he commented.
"Obviously, I’m very proud to join this team, which I have known for a few years now. GP2 and GP3 are definitively the most competitive series, where most of the drivers want to go and the best school to get prepared for the highest level of Motorsport, Formula One. I’m used to a different brake/tyre package, and I think the biggest challenge for me will be to make sure I get the most out of the tyres in qualifying and in race trim.
"I am confident that working with the best team, thanks to McLaren, will help me to quickly adapt to the car to get ready for the first race in Barcelona. I already know ART Grand Prix, there’s a great atmosphere in the team and I’m looking forward to the start of the season.”
