ART Grand Prix has announced their pleasure in re-signing Nobuharu Matsushita for their 2017 campaign. The Japanese driver returns for his third season in GP2, all of which have been fought with the French squad.
Matsushita picked up a win and 3 podiums over his maiden season in 2015, and took another win and 2 podiums last year in a more consistent season, collecting 23.5 points more than on debut. The team noted that the Japanese driver took his work with the team to a new level, improving his technical skills, as well as tyre and qualifying management, and are confident that he will build on his two successful years to help the team in their fight for the championship.
Matsushita Said: “I am happy to be able to race in GP2 Series again, and very honoured to work with ART Grand Prix for a third consecutive season. It is a fantastic team that helped me to settle in a brand new environment back in 2015 but also allowed me to grow as a driver and to secure a win and several podiums during my first year in the series.”
“I hope I will be able to bring them more wins this season and to help them to fight for the championship. I would like to thank Honda for continuously giving me this great opportunity. I am ready to make this season a great one. I cannot wait for the season to start.”
Sébastien Philippe: “ART Grand Prix is delighted to extend its partnership with Nobuharu. Since his first steps in GP2 in Europe, he showed how dedicated and motivated he is and that he can adapt very quickly to a new culture and working environment.”
“Our collaboration has been very fruitful ever since his first year in the team with Nobu securing two wins, one being a prestigious victory in Monaco, as well as numerous podiums over last two years. He ended last year on a high with a podium in Yas Marina and I’m sure he will take it from there to start this season with the same momentum and to be a regular front runner and championship contender.”