Tony Fernandes Sells Caterham Racing GP2 Outfit to Status GP

Status Grand Prix has completed the purchase of the Caterham Racing team securing their entry in the GP2 Series from 2015.

One of the most successful GP3 Series teams of the last five years, Status GP will run the GP2 Series team alongside its GP3 operation. Status GP and Caterham have agreed that the GP2 team will compete as Caterham Racing for the remainder of the 2014 season, before coming under Status GP’s banner.

The current GP2 driver line-up of Rio Haryanto and Pierre Gasly will remain in the Caterham cars for the final round of the GP2 season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 22-23.

Before the Abu Dhabi event, the Caterham Racing operation will move to Status GP’s race facility at Silverstone, UK, which is just 30 miles from Caterham Racing’s current base at Leafield Technical Centre.

Status GP team principal Teddy Yip said: “Having been multiple winners in GP3, as well as A1GP World Cup champions with A1 Team Ireland, we have always had the ambition to move further up the motorsport ladder when the time is right. The opportunity to take over an established and highly-regarded GP2 team such as Caterham Racing, allied to a strong season in GP3, makes that time now. The Status GP2 team will be run from our Silverstone base to the same exacting standards as our race-winning GP3 team.”

Caterham Racing Team Owner Tony Fernandes said: “This announcement is very positive for us and Status Grand Prix. We have built a strong GP2 team with excellent personnel over the last four years, and we can be proud of the multiple race wins and podiums we achieved in the series.

“It became clear to me some time ago that, without Caterham F1, we should seek affiliation with a GP3 team to create a more effective ladder for young drivers who aspire to Formula One. Following in-depth discussions with Status Grand Prix, we have reached an agreement that will strengthen and secure the future of the GP2 team.”

GP2 Series CEO Bruno Michel said: “I am pleased to welcome Status Grand Prix to the GP2 Series. They have been in GP3 since the beginning, and have been successful over the past five seasons. I have no doubt that with the help and experience of the current staff, they will be able to achieve the same level of performance in GP2, and will adapt quickly to the demands of the category.”

Since 2010, Status Grand Prix has won GP3 Series races with drivers such as Robert Wickens, Alexander Sims, Antonio Felix da Costa, Marlon Stockinger and Richie Stanaway.

{jcomments on}