King takes another step toward F1 by joining GP2 Series outfit

Jordan King, pictured after penning a deal with GP2 Series outfit Racing Engineering. Picture submitted

King steps up to the grand prix feeder series from a successful second season in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship campaign, where he wound up an excellent seventh, tallying seven podium finishes along the way.

The talented young Warwickshire ace subsequently found himself facing a choice between GP2 and Formula Renault 3.5 for 2015 and it was a standout performance at the end-of-season Abu Dhabi GP2 test that cemented his decision.

Over the course of 150 laps around the Yas Marina Circuit, King lapped consistently inside the top six in the 26-strong field, ending two of the sessions second on the timing screens.

Off the back of that, the 20-year-old was in discussions with a handful of GP2 teams before signing for Racing Engineering.

Racing Engineering’s illustrious alumni include Justin Wilson, Franck Montagny and Lucas Di Grassi - all of whom went on to compete in Formula 1 - and a certain Sebastian Vettel.

Little wonder King is confident he is in safe hands.

“We talked to a few different teams, and it was a tough decision to make,” said King. “There were a lot of factors to take into consideration and I did a lot of research and thinking before reaching a conclusion.

“As a rookie entering a new championship, it’s very important to go with an established and experienced team - and Racing Engineering ticks all the boxes. They have a tremendous amount of knowledge and expertise and all the necessary resources at their disposal, and they understand how to get the best out of young drivers - which is just what I need at such a crucial stage of my career.

He added: “GP2 definitely feels like the natural next step in my career. I came out of the test in Abu Dhabi with my head held high; the car really seemed to suit me and I clicked with it pretty much straightaway.

“I’ve learned and achieved everything I could have in the lower formulae and have developed as a driver along the way. Both physically and mentally, I feel very well-prepared for the challenges to come.

Racing Engineering president Alfonso de Orléans Borbon said King’s professional approach made him an ideal fit for the Adalucia-based team.

“We are delighted that Jordan will be joining us in 2015,”he said. “We have been following his career path for some time now, and what really convinced us was his professional approach to racing, both on and off the track.

“I have rarely seen a driver so determined and hard-working to make his dream to get to F1 come true.”