GP3: Oakes confirmed at Atech CRS
Oliver Oakes has joined Atech CRS for the inaugural GP3 Series, which kicks off supporting the Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Catalunya in three weeks' time.
The Briton enjoyed a successful test with the team at the Barcelona track earlier this month and, despite courting offers from several rival GP3 outfits, opted for the joint venture between the successful British Atech GP and CRS Racing squads.
"We have spent the past couple of months negotiating and testing with GP3 teams," Oakes confirmed, "but, last week at the Barcelona test, I felt both me and the Atech team made a lot of progress, so this is the team I will be relaunching my racing career with!"
The 22-year old has seen what many predicted to be a stellar rise up the racing ladder stall after winning the world karting title in 2005. He was one of a group of Red Bull junior drivers to be victims of a cull by the drinks brand, and his first attempt at a comeback - in British F3 with Carlin Motorsport in 2009 - was aborted due to contractual difficulties. That, however, did not prevent Atech team principal David Hayle from seeking his signature for 2010.
"We have been chasing Oliver for some time and, last week in Barcelona, we made some good progress with him," Hayle confirmed, "He has had a lot of bad luck in the past couple of years, but we are expecting him to be up there in what will prove to be an extremely competitive championship."
