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Arden confirms Eriksson, Jeffri for 2016 GP2 season

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2016 GP2 Series Testing. Jerez, Spain. Wednesday 30 March 2016 Jimmy Eriksson (SWE) Arden International Photo: Malcolm Griffiths/GP2 Series Media Service. ref: Digital Image _G7C1139

Malcolm Griffiths

Arden International will race with an all-new line-up in the 2016 GP2 Series season after announcing the arrival of Jimmy Eriksson and Nabil Jeffri to the team on Friday.

After ailing to its worst season in GP2 last year with Andre Negrao and Norman Nato sharing driving duties, Arden has drafted in GP3 race winner Eriksson and F3 racer Jeffri in a bid to revive its fortunes.

Eriksson moves up to GP2 after spending three seasons in GP3, and is relishing the opportunity to move up the motorsport ladder with Arden.

“I am thrilled to be joining the GP2 Series field with Arden International this season,” Eriksson said. “It’s what I’ve been working towards and dreaming about over the winter, and I can’t wait for the first race.

“GP2 is an extremely competitive series and I will have a lot to learn, but I really gelled with the team during pre-season testing and that’s where we’ll pick up in Barcelona in a few weeks’ time.

“I think my experience of GP3 will stand me in good stead for this move, particularly in terms of track knowledge. I feel quite comfortable with that already.

“We will have to be realistic and take things step by step, but I’m massively looking forward to this new challenge.”

Jeffri will get the chance to race in front of his home crowd in September when GP2 returns to Malaysia in support of the Formula 1 race at the Sepang International Circuit.

“I am very excited to be joining Arden International for my step into GP2 Series,” Jeffri said. “We have had some positive pre-season testing sessions and I have enjoyed working with a team who are very professional and encouraging.

“I look forward to a great rookie season. This has been my lifelong dream and I very much look forward to living it out in front of my fellow Malaysians when we race at my home circuit later this year.

“The Sepang Circuit is one many drivers find challenging, so I hope my experience on this track will help my performance, and I will do Malaysia proud.”

The new GP2 season kicks off in two weeks’ time in support of the Spanish Grand Prix.

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