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Fortec Motorsport set for Auto GP expansion

British single-seater powerhouse Fortec Motorsport is set to enter the Auto GP series in 2014

The company's ex-Formula 3 team manager and senior engineer Mick Kouros will head up the squad, while F3 chief engineer Andi Scott and fellow engineer Russell Dixon have taken joint charge of the F3 team.

Fortec team principal Richard Dutton told AUTOSPORT: "Mick is looking for new business and is in charge of the next thing we do, which is probably going to be Auto GP.

"We'd like to run two teams in Formula Renault 3.5, which we're not allowed to do. The next closest thing is GP2, which we're not going to do - it's too expensive. But Auto GP is at that level."

The move adds further to a big portfolio for the team, which includes Formula Renault 3.5, Formula 3, Formula Renault Eurocup, Formula Renault NEC (with two teams), Formula Renault BARC and its Mercedes GT squad. Fortec is also eyeing a move into Formula Renault 1600.

Dutton added: "We're just starting to gear up for it [Auto GP] now. We've got a new factory that's being renovated, in the same street as our main base, and the Auto GP and GT cars will go into that new unit."

Brazilian Pipo Derani, who has raced in F3 with Fortec in 2012 and '13, could be a contender for the Auto GP team.

"We want to keep him in the family," said Dutton. "He's going to test in FR3.5, Auto GP, Indy Lights and IndyCar over the winter."

Auto GP series boss Enzo Coloni said: "Should Fortec decide to come into the championship it would be very nice. The same applies to some other teams we're talking to.

"I think our proposal for next year, to race again with the World Touring Car Championship, has helped attract extra interest."

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