Anglo-Italian racer Dino Zamparelli was revealed as the second of ART Grand Prix’ three GP3 drivers yesterday.
A former champion in the Formula Renault BARC Series and the Ginetta Junior Challenge, Zamparelli moves to the French squad following a tricky first year in GP3 with Marussia Manor.
The 21-year-old scored points on eight occasions last year, with a highest position of 7th (twice). However he also found trouble with stewards on occasion, ultimately resulting in his exclusion from the second race at Monza, when a rash move instigated a first corner pile-up.
Despite this, the maturing Zamparelli believes he can play a pivotal part in adding a fifth Teams’ title and another Drivers’ crown to their previous GP3 successes. “Obviously, I’m really excited to sign with ART Grand Prix as it’s a team with a lot of history. Four titles in a row in the team’s championship, two out of four possible in the drivers’ championship speaks for itself,” noted the Bristol-native.
Zamparelli arrives at ART GP with backing from the Bristol Sport group and while all involved are looking to a successful season, the former Ginetta racer knows that knowledge and experience is the key. “One thing is certain: I can learn a great deal with this team. My aim is to understand as quickly as possible how the team operates and to get the best out of the car, the team and my skills. Another good thing is that I know most of the circuits and that knowledge will help me come to grips with this new environment. My aim is simple, to go out and win as many races as possible.”
Having housed Facu Regalia last year, ART Grand Prix CEO Frédéric Vasseur was disappointed to miss out on the Drivers’ Championship, but believes Zamparelli can make that step forward. “Despite his young age, Dino has had extensive experience in motorsport. His record is already very full with two titles and many victories. Therefore Dino has the profile that ART Grand Prix is looking for in a driver for their fifth season in GP3,” noted Vasseur.
He added, “In 2014, we will fight to keep our title and Dino has all the qualities to help enrich us and our record in a championship that has become a must on the international scene.”
Realistically, the field is still far too thin to garner a truthful impression of how the GP3 Series may unfold this year, but with ART Grand Prix behind him, Zamparelli may indeed step up this year. Whether he has a GP3 title in him is a different matter entirely.
