DAMS switches from Formula Renault 3.5 to GP3 for 2016

The move into GP3 comes at the expense of DAMS' Formula Renault 3.5 programme, which will stop at the end of this season.

Racing in FR3.5 alongside Formula E and GP2 this season is understood to have been a logistical complication, which running GP2 and GP3 at the same venues next year is set to ease.

DAMS' managing director Francois Sicard told AUTOSPORT: "Logistics played a part in the decision as having both GP2 and GP3 makes sense, but also we were approached by drivers expressing interest in GP3."

The seventh season of GP3 next year will feature a fresh technical package, including a new Dallara chassis and 3.4 litre, 400bhp, Mecachrome engine.

Current GP3 champion Alex Lynn is competing for DAMS in GP2 and has scored two wins this season.

Team owner Jean-Paul Driot said: "I'm delighted to announce DAMS' GP3 series campaign; the project will certainly add another string to our bow.

"We're familiar with the category, but fielding a brand new car and very young drivers naturally means starting from scratch, so we need to remain level-headed.

"Nevertheless, DAMS is ready to draw on its vast experience and meet the challenge head-on, so we have high hopes going into the championship.

"Finally, I'd like to thank Renault and World Series' organisers for the four seasons we've raced in Formula Renault 3.5.

"We've experienced some truly unforgettable moments, especially during our 2013 and 2014 title-winning campaigns, so those memories will always hold a special place in DAMS' history."

VIRTUOSI JOINS THE GRID

GP3 has announced its eight-team line-up for its next three-year cycle, with Virtuosi Racing the other new outfit, while Carlin and Status Grand Prix make way.

In a short statement, Carlin said its decision was made "in order to support our various teams in today's challenging economic environment", while Status said it had called time on GP3 to focus more on its GP2 programme.

Series boss Bruno Michel said: "In order to give more support to our teams in today's challenging economic environment, we decided to limit the entries to eight and favour quality over quantity.

"We will reassess our position should the situation change.

"We opted to continue with most of the existing GP3 teams but we also wanted to bring new blood which is why I'm happy to welcome both DAMS and Virtuosi Racing who have been very successful in other categories.

"Five of the chosen teams run also in GP2 thus creating a natural path between our two series."

Michel added work is ongoing to put together the 2016 GP3 calendar, with the target being to race alongside GP2 and Formula 1 at each round.

2016-18 GP3 TEAMS:

Arden International
ART Grand Prix
Campos Racing
DAMS
Jenzer Motorsport
Koiranen GP
Trident
Virtuosi Racing