Rising stars Melville McKee and Conor Daly have confirmed their seats for the upcoming GP3 Series seasons with Bamboo Engineering and ART Grand Prix respectively.
Following a relatively solid stint in last year’s Eurocup Formula Renault series {note 1}, McKee makes the jump to GP3; however following a reasonable set of tests, the 18-year-old could be one to spring a surprise.
In Bamboo Engineering, McKee has at his disposal a team virtually untested in GP3, but with a huge array talent and knowledge from their WTCC efforts – they know how to race.
Indeed, it was experience that attracted the young racer to the drive: “It’s great to sign with Bamboo, I’ve had a series of successful runs in the car and am particularly impressed with the team and their experience. The teams professionalism and breadth of experience are what attracted me most and I can’t wait to get on the track and competing.”
Daly, meanwhile, is staying exactly where he was in 2012, having re-signed with the famed ART Grand Prix squad {note 2}. The American picked up a race win and five podium finishes with the French squad last year, eventually finishing 6th in the standings.
While occasionally displaying signs of hyper aggressiveness, there is no doubt Daly is fast – very fast – and with ART GP’s pedigree, the 21-year-old is surely one of the favourites for the title. He will be partnering Facu Regalia and reigning British F3 champion Jack Harvey, both of whom are making their full-time début in the series.
As well as preparing for the opening round of the GP3 Series which takes place in Barcelona in a week-and-a-half, Daly is also in preparation to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 with AJ Foyt Enterprises. For now though, the Indiana-native has Spain on his mind; “I am very much looking forward to being back with ART Grand Prix again. Their history in the junior levels is impressive and I want to add to their legacy. Testing went well and the new car is so much better than before. I can’t wait for Barcelona.”
These signings now leave only two seats unfilled with a drive apiece still available at Marussia Manor and Bamboo Engineering.
{note 1}
In the 2012 Eurocup Formula Renault series, McKee took one podium and fastest lap on his way to 8th in the points standings. He had previously found some success in Formula Renault ALPS, securing 4th in that championship in 2011 following three victories.
{note 2}
Technically Daly drove for Lotus GP last season; however that was effectively the ART Grand Prix squad with Lotus backing / technical sharing.
