Italy is here!

Although in 2016 Italy won’t be in Formula 1 with its drivers, at an international level the situation is very different with five standard bearers already confirmed in the three most important championships: GP2 Series, GP3 Series, and FIA European F3.

A strong signal demonstrating how the “Beautiful Country” is still able to prepare and make grow its guys.“It is the result of the work of the Federation in last years and the prove that Italy has nothing to envy to the other nations” Gian Carlo Minardi says. “Unfortunately, to reach F1, besides drivers’ technical qualities you need huge budgets and it would be useful to have a minor team ready to bet and capable to find the most talented drivers. As Federation we are working to help, in part at least, our guys, also under the economic aspect with some scholarships” the manager from Faenza continues.“Last year we started the ACI Team Italia project and it continues also this year. It’s not a consolation, but the situation isn’t better outside our borders. In these days, Stoffel Vandoorne, maker of an excellent season in GP2, is engaged in pirelli’s tests at the Paul Richard with McLaren. He declared he isn’t sure to enter the world championship not even in 2017”.

Antonio Giovinazziand Raffaello Marciello will race in GP2 respectively with Prema and Russian Time colors. If to Marciello 2016 should be the year of redemption after a complicated season, Giovinazzi will debut in the waiting room of F1, after his positive season in FIA European F3 and his success in Master F3. “I was really glad reading Prema’s announcement about Giovinazzi, even if I am a bit embittered because four years ago I had already supported the candidacy of Antonio to important Teams and groups. When I saw him at Imola in his sixteen years, he made me an excellent impression”.

After the eight place achieved last year, Antonio Fuoco is again at the starting grid in GP3 series with the Trident Team, while the schedule of GP3 Series vice champion Luca Ghiotto is to be defined. The Venetian driver would be glad to sign his debut in GP2, future Formula 2, but he could remain another season in GP3 with the aim to win the title. On the FIA European F3 front, Alessio Lorandi will keep his growth.“He will be the driver of the Carlin Team, one of the top team in the championship. Even him comes from kart and at his first year in F3 has done very well despite his very young age“.