Bahrain Grand Prix: Stanaway gets Status seat

Richie Stanaway has been given the opportunity to drive for Status Grand Prix in the GP2 Series season opener in Bahrain after topping the timesheets at the Abu Dhabi pre-season test.

2015 marks Status Grand Prix’s debut season in GP2 and selected the New Zealand driver who competed for them at GP3 level last year, finishing eighth in the drivers’ standings with two race victories to his name.

Stanaway will come hot off the back of racing in round one of the FIA World Endurance Championship at Silverstone, where he competed for Aston Martin in the GTE Pro class, finishing fifth in category and 14th overall in the six hour event.

The 23-year-old has only been confirmed to contest the first round of the GP2 Series in Bahrain on 18-19 April but is hopeful of extending his partnership for the entire season.

“Firstly I would like to thank Teddy and David for having confidence in my ability and allowing me to drive for Status in their first GP2 race,” Stanaway said. “The Series is always tough for rookies but that is part of the appeal, my aim remains to reach Formula 1 and being competitive in GP2 brings me one step closer to achieving that.

“Now that I’ve been given the opportunity to start the GP2 season with Status I just have to keep focussed and drive well. If I’m able to drive in both GP2 and the WEC, which I think really complement each other, it would be the best year of my career so far.”

Team boss Teddy Yip says he has been working closely with Stanaway to secure a good deal for both parties and has no doubts in the Kiwi’s driving abilities.

“There is no question about Richie’s talent as a driver and we have first-hand experience of his commitment and desire to win following our joint GP3 campaign last year,” Yip said. “I’m convinced that with the right resources he could be a future World Champion and I sincerely hope we can find a way for Richie to contest the full GP2 season with Status Grand Prix.”

Stanaway will team-mate fellow GP2 rookie Marlon Stockinger at Status Grand Prix.