American racer Alexander Rossi has confirmed today that he will return to the GP2 Series in 2015, joining Spanish outfit Racing Engineering alongside Britain’s Jordan King.
Rossi was the Rookie of the Year in GP2 in 2013, claiming a feature race win for Caterham Racing in Abu Dhabi as he balanced his commitments with a reserve role at Caterham F1 Team.
However, the team’s financial woes meant that Rossi was dropped after just five rounds of the season, and despite taking part in one further round for Campos Racing, he did not race in the second half of the year.
The Californian did secure a reserve role at Marussia F1 Team for the rest of the season, and despite coming close to making his F1 debut on five occasions, he failed to line up on the grid due to the team’s financial collapse following the Russian Grand Prix.
Rossi will now return to GP2 for 2015, confirming today that he has joined Racing Engineering.
“After several years of discussions, at last Racing Engineering and I have found a way to work together,” Rossi said in a statement. “Racing Engineering is a multiple championship-winning GP2 team, and their passion and commitment to excellence reflects throughout the organization, where winning and performance is the sole focus.
“After my 2014 season as the official reserve driver at the Caterham and Marussia F1 Teams, it is public knowledge that I have been carefully looking over several options for 2015, both in Europe and the States. I’ve spent the majority of my career racing in Europe, building my racing foundation and have strong relationships there. My ultimate goal has never wavered, and still remains F1.
“The GP2 Championship with Racing Engineering is the perfect alignment for these career objectives. The team and I have a strong mutual belief in each other and believe we have the assets and the combination to win the championship this year.”
Rossi will make his debut for the team at the first GP2 pre-season test, taking place in Abu Dhabi in two weeks’ time.
