14.10.09 TURVEY TO SWITCH TO GP2 WITH iSPORT Oliver Turvey is to compete in the GP2 Asia series this winter ahead of a full season in the main series next year, the Racing Steps Foundation has announced. The Formula Renault 3.5 driver, who is fifth in the WSR championship with two races to go, is joining the front-running iSport International team for his next step up the ladder. Turvey, the 2006 McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year award winner, tested with the squad at the recent three-day test in Jerez finishing seventh overall. But a clash of dates prevents him from taking part in the October 23/24 GP2 Asia test at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi. The test coincides with the final FR3.5 round at Aragon in Spain which means Turvey will not join up with the team again until the first race at the Yas Island development at the end of the month. "I'm incredibly fortunate," said Turvey. "iSport has a great record and to be racing with them in GP2 is an absolutely tremendous opportunity for me. "It's a shame I'll miss the official test at Abu Dhabi ahead of the race but there's unfinished business in FR3.5 to be attended to first, namely finishing off with a win, if I can, and helping my team Carlin Motorsport to seal the Team Championship. "FR3.5 has been great experience for me. It's a really competitive series which has taught me a lot. It's also given me the opportunity to put a win at Monaco on my racing CV, which is something that few drivers get the chance to do. "But now it's time to move on which obviously I can't do without saying a big thank you to everyone at Carlin and the Racing Steps Foundation for the fantastic support they've given me. iSport principal Paul Jackson said the team was looking forward to working with Turvey and the Foundation. "The GP2 Asia series should provide him with some very good experience with the team leading into the 2010 GP2 season. "Oliver has an excellent track record in all the categories he has raced in so far and we will look to continue this with him in GP2." RSF founder Graham Sharp said Oliver has consistently demonstrated his considerable talent throughout the year and the Foundation had no hesitation is extending its support to him in 2010. "Again we have chosen top teams to work with," he added. "iSport, who won the title in 2007 with Timo Glock, have top class credentials and we look foward to working with them." << back to news