GP3: Fontana moves to Status for 2015

Alex Fontana has been named as the first of Status Grand Prix's drivers for the 2015 GP3 season. The 22-year-old makes the switch from ART Grand Prix for his third year in the class, having finished 11th in 2014 with a best result of second in Sochi's feature race.

A race winner in Formula 2 and the 2011 European Formula 3 Open champion, Fontana will run with Status for the first time during Estoril's official pre-season test on March 18-19.

"The 2015 season will be the third year in the GP3 Series for me, therefore I needed a team where I could put all my experience to good use and have a nice environment to work in," the Swiss-Greek driver said. "For three years I've always seen with respect the men in black and green, with admiration for the cars of the same colors I have learned a lot and I'm ready to give my best to work and have a nice progression throughout the year."

Status finished third in the 2014 teams' championship, with Nick Yelloly and Richie Stanaway each winning a race.

"Alex joins us with a wealth of GP3 experience and determination to deliver results. We were immediately impressed by his positivity and tenacious approach to his racing career," team principal Teddy Yip said.

GP3 SERIES LINEUP SO FAR

Arden International: Aleksander Bosak + 2 tba
ART Grand Prix: Alfonso Celis Jr + 2 tba
Campos Racing: Alex Palou, Zaid Ashkanani + 1 tba
Carlin: Antonio Fuoco, Mitchell Gilbert + 1 tba
Status Grand Prix: Alex Fontana + 2 tba
Trident: Luca Ghiotto + 2 tba

Yet to announce any drivers: Koiranen GP, Jenzer Motorsport + one further team tba

Originally on Autosport.com