Rising British racer Seb Morris has confirmed that he will make his GP3 Series test debut with Status Grand Prix following the final round at Abu Dhabi next month.
Morris, who finished 3rd in this year’s Formula Renault 2.0 NEC category this year, will step up to the GP2 feeder category for the three-day session at the Yas Marina circuit from November 27th-29th.
The 18-year-old from Wrexham is eyeing up a potential move to GP3, as he continues to shape a path up the motorsport ladder, and he wasted little time in announcing his intentions. “Now that my 2014 race season is over, our focus has immediately turned to on and off track preparations for 2015 and we are delighted to be going to Abu Dhabi with Status,” said the bouyant teenager.
He added: “The challenge of learning to drive the more complex and powerful GP3 car is one I am relishing and I aim to make a good impression.”
Following his karting days, Morris did not take the most typical route into car racing, when the then 14-year-old took to the Ginetta Junior Championship, taking the Winter Series in 2010, before claiming the overall title in 2011.
From there, Morris finally moved into Formula Renault with Fortec in 2012, taking the Winter Series crown in early that year and then 3rd overall in the BARC Championship that same year.
A switch to the BRDC Formula 4 Championship with Hillspeed followed in 2013, rewarding Morris with the runner-up position, before he returned to Formula Renault this year – this time the 2.0 NEC – again with Fortec where he claimed his 3rd overall result.
Morris’ progress in recent seasons was more than enough to interest Status GP team principal, Teddy Yip Jr. “Status has been keeping a close eye on his progress this year and, alongside his wins, his three pole positions have clearly demonstrated real speed.”
According to Yip Jr, Status are already outlining Morris’ programme for the session. “Over the three test days he will have chance to learn GP3’s Pirelli P Zero tyre, the car and the track, and then really go about setting some impressive times.”
Status GP are in the midst of a resurgence. After an awful 2013 season, where the team were bottom of the table in the Teams’ Championship, Status have bounced back with Richie Stanaway and Nick Yelloly, with the former currently 2nd in the championship having taken two wins and three podiums. Yelloly is 6th in the standings with three podiums.
Alfonso Celis Jr also drives for the team.
Meanwhile Morris is also set to undergo some intense preparations prior to the test, which include heat acclimatisation, alongside his usual fitness routines and simulator sessions. For the teenager, the goal is clear. “We aim to leave no stone unturned in maximising this opportunity and I can’t wait to get started.”
