Marcus Ericsson & Stephane Richelmi Join DAMS For 2013

Reigning GP2 Constructors’ Champions DAMS have signed Marcus Ericsson and Stephane Richelmi for the 2013 season, as the French outfit aims to capitalize on their maiden Constructors’ Championship next season. Swedish driver Marcus Ericsson has won two races throughout his career, whereas Stephane Richelmi has yet win in GP2.

After an extremely dominant 2012 season for DAMS, which saw Davide Valsecchi clinch the Drivers’ Championship with four victories along the way, the French outfit will be hoping that their two new drivers can replicate such successes in 2013. Marcus Ericsson’s GP2 career began in 2010 with Super Nova Racing, a season which saw him take his first victory in the series at Valencia. For 2011, the Swede moved to iSport International and only managed to secure two podium finishes before clinching his second GP2 career victory in 2012 at Spa-Francorchamps.

For the two post-season GP2 tests at Barcelona and Jerez, Marcus Ericsson tested with numerous teams on the GP2 grid including Trident Racing, DAMS and Coloni. During his day testing with DAMS, the Swede managed to set the fastest time of the day at Jerez, convincing the French outfit to sign him for the 2013 season. The 22-year-old aims to fight at the sharp-end of the order next season, in his quest for further victories.

“I’m extremely proud to get the opportunity to drive for the DAMS team.” Explained Marcus Ericsson, “Their results over the last couple of years say it all. After testing successfully together in the Jerez post-season tests, there were no doubts as to where I wanted to be in 2013. The preparations for next year have already started and I feel ready to fight at the front of the Championship together with DAMS.”

Stephane Richelmi will team-mate Marcus Ericsson next season at DAMS.

Marcus Ericsson’s new team-mate for 2013, Monegasque driver Stephane Richelmi, has yet to secure his maiden victory in the GP2 Series. So far his best finish was 3rd at the 2012 German Grand Prix, however with 2012 being the Monegasque’s first full season in the series, his maiden victory is surely just around the corner with DAMS. Stephane Richelmi also tested with numerous teams during post-season testing, including Lotus GP, Trident Racing and DAMS. The Monegasque driver aims to assist DAMS in securing another Constructors’ title in 2013, whilst also aiming for his maiden victory in the series.

“Of course, I’m very happy and very proud to be a part of the DAMS family!” Enthused Stephane Richelmi, “After a fairly difficult 2012 season I was determined to have a good winter test session to join a top team and improve in 2013. Thus, I drove for Lotus GP for one day, then with Trident, and finally with DAMS. I soon chose the reigning teams’ title holder. The way the engineers work really impressed me; the team’s level of professionalism is faultless and the very pleasant ambience makes you feel at home straight away. I hope to fight at the front next year while helping DAMS to clinch another teams’ title.”

As the 2013 GP2 grid slowly fills up, it is quickly becoming clear that the 2013 season will be yet another highly competitive and entertaining affair, with the likes of Marcus Ericsson and Stephane Richelmi battling at the top with other worthy title contenders’ such as James Calado and Stefano Coletti. Both Ericsson and Richelmi with be unquestionably striving to secure another Championship for DAMS, in their continued quest to rise to the top of the motor sport echelon.

Picture(s) Copyright © Malcolm Griffiths/GP2 Series Media Service