Daniel Abt to make Formula Renault 3.5 debut at Hungaroring with Tech 1
GP3 runner-up Daniel Abt has been drafted in to complete the Formula Renault 3.5 series in place of Kevin Korjus at Tech 1 Racing
Abt was the star of the GP3 season finale at Monza last weekend, narrowly missing out on a double victory that would have snatched the crown away from Mark Webber protege Mitch Evans.
The German racer has now joined Tech 1, where he will partner Jules Bianchi as the French team bids to land both the the Formula Renault 3.5 drivers' and teams' titles, starting with this weekend's races at the Hungaroring.
Tech 1 team boss Simon Abadie said: "We're very happy to welcome Daniel to our team. His results speak for themselves.
"He's an intelligent guy who's a strong finisher, and who knows how to manage a championship. He's exactly the type of driver we need for the end of the season to clinch the drivers' title with Jules and the teams' award.
Daniel has got what it takes to be on the pace in Formula Renault 3.5 straight away. We're going to do everything possible to help him get used to the car, the championship and the team."
Korjus, who took three wins on his way to sixth in the FR3.5 standings as a rookie last year, has endured a torrid second season with Tech 1, where he has been plagued by unreliability.
AUTOSPORT understands that the Estonian will now stand in for fellow Gravity-backed racer Richie Stanaway at Lotus as the Kiwi continues to recover from injury.
That seat was meant to be taken by Nigel Melker, who raced for the team at Silverstone last time out. But the Dutchman is being forced to sit out this weekend's round due to recent heavy crashes in GP2.
Gravity Sport programme manager Gwenael Lagrue hinted at a change of team for Korjus.
"We really need to evaluate Kevin in another environment in different conditions," said Lagrue. "This decision doesn't call into question the confidence we have in the team, which is fighting for the two titles again this year.
"It goes without saying that our organisation will entrust one of our drivers to the team in the future, as has been the case over the past few years in either the Formula Renault 2.0 or 3.5 series."
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