Kirchhofer stays in GP3 with ART

ART has confirmed that Marvin Kirchhofer will remain in its GP3 lineup for 2015 and expects him to be a leading title contender.

Kirchhofer will combine his title bid in the Formula 1-supporting series with a European Formula 3 programme with EuroInternational. The 20-year-old German was third in GP3 last season, winning in his home event at Hockenheim, having claimed the ADAC Formula Masters and German F3 titles in the preceding two seasons.

ART had already signed Alfonso Celis Jr for its 2015 GP3 lineup, and European F3 champion Esteban Ocon is believed to be a prime candidate for the remaining seat.

Team manager Sebastien Philippe said of Kirchhofer: "He is a quick and complete driver who has thrilled the team with his talent and personality. In view of the results from last year, the goal will be to win the title in 2015 and regularly target pole position and victory. Marvin has all the capabilities to do this, and after a first probative season he now has the necessary experience."

ART won the GP3 teams' title for the first four years of the series' existence and took Esteban Gutierrez and Valtteri Bottas to the inaugural drivers' crowns in 2010 and '11 respectively.

2015 GP3 LINEUP SO FAR

Carlin
Antonio Fuoco, Mitchell Gilbert, tba

ART Grand PrixAlfonso Celis Jr, Marvin Kirchhofer, tba

Status Grand PrixAlex Fontana, tba, tba

Koiranen GP
Jimmy Eriksson, Adderly Fong, Matt Parry

Arden International
Aleksander Bosak, Kevin Ceccon, tba

Jenzer Motorsport
Matheo Tuscher, Ralph Boschung, tba

Trident
Luca Ghiotto, Artur Janosz, tba

Campos Racing
Alex Palou, Zaid Ashkanani, tba

One further team still tba

Originally on Autosport.com