Palmer seals GP3 drive with MP Motorsport for 2018

Will Palmer has secured a move into GP3 for the upcoming 2018 season, having signed a deal to race with MP Motorsport. 

Palmer, the younger brother of ex-Renault Formula 1 driver Jolyon Palmer, finished runner-up in the 2017 Formula Renault Eurocup with R-ace GP, taking three wins throughout the campaign. 

The 2015 BRDC British Formula 4 champion tested Arden’s GP3 car in post-season testing last year before running with MP during pre-season testing at Barcelona last month. 

He will partner Dorian Boccolacci and Niko Kari at the Dutch outfit, which has filled the void left by the DAMS squad which departed the F1-supporting feeder series after contesting the 2016 and 2017 campaigns. 

"It's wonderful to be able to make the step up to GP3 and I'm very happy to do so with MP Motorsport,” the 21-year-old said. “The Barcelona test gave me the confidence that together we can get the job done, and having two very strong and experienced team mates in Niko and Dorian will provide me with a good benchmark, as well as help me to quickly get to grips with the car and the category.”

"Will has been outstanding in Formula Renault 2.0 last season", MP team manager Sander Dorsman, added. "So we are extremely pleased that we have signed him up for his first season in GP3. 

“With Will, Niko and Dorian, our 2018 GP3 line-up now consists of three established frontrunners. We are very much looking forward to starting the season with three of the quickest guys around."

The 2018 GP3 Series begins at the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix on May 11-13.