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Malja joins Rapax for full-time GP2 switch

Formula Renault 3.5 graduate Gustav Malja has committed to the 2016 GP2 season, signing with Rapax.

Gustav Malja, Rapax

Gustav Malja, Rapax

GP2 Series Media Service

Gustav Malja, Strakka Racing
 Gustav Malja, Rapax, makes a pit stop
Gustav Malja, Rapax
Gustav Malja, Rapax
Gustav Malja, Strakka Racing
Gustav Malja, Strakka Racing
Gustav Malja, Strakka Racing
Gustav Malja, Rapax, leads Alexander Rossi, Racing Engineering, Rene Binder, MP Motorsport, André Negrao, Arden International, Daniel De Jong, Trident and Oliver Rowland, Status Grand Prix
Sergey Sirotkin, Rapax, Pierre Gasly, DAMS, Alexander Rossi, Racing Engineering, Gustav Malja, Rapax and André Negrao, Arden International

The 20-year-old Swede joins third-year GP2 driver Arthur Pic in the Rapax squad that finished sixth overall in the 2015 GP2 campaign - and took rookie Sergey Sirotkin to third in the drivers' standings.

"This is an incredible opportunity, and I’m just thrilled that my preferred option for 2016 has now become a reality," Malja said. "Racing in GP2 this season will be a massive challenge, but also a real pleasure and something I can’t wait to do.

Malja did three GP2 rounds last year, making his debut with Trident, who helped him to a maiden point, and then switching to Rapax.

"I really enjoyed working with Rapax towards the end of last year and learned a lot, so I have the benefit of feeling well at home going into my rookie campaign," Malja added.

"I hope to take considerable steps throughout the season and I really want to thank the team and everyone around me for making this possible."

A race winner in ADAC Formel Masters and Formula Renault 2.0 NEC, Malja competed in Formula Renault 3.5 last year, finishing his rookie campaign with Strakka in ninth.

He came close to picking up a maiden win in the category at the Nurburgring, but lost out to teammate Tio Ellinas in the dying seconds.

"After welcoming Pic, we are delighted to announce a young talented racer like Malja," said Rapax boss Andrea Bergamini. "Their mix is perfect for the team as they are already gearing up for the 2016 season. Last year we proved we can be a perfect training camp for young rookies, and we will provide Malja with all our experience in an effort to highlight his potential."

2016 GP2 line-up so far:

TeamDriver
ART Grand Prix

Sergey Sirotkin

Nobuharu Matsushita

DAMS

Alex Lynn

Nicholas Latifi

Campos Racing

Mitch Evans

Sean Gelael

MP Motorsport

Oliver Rowland

Daniel de Jong

Prema Racing

Pierre Gasly

Antonio Giovinazzi

Racing Engineering

Jordan King

Norman Nato

Russian Time

Artem Markelov

Raffaele Marciello

Rapax

Arthur Pic

Gustav Malja

Trident

Luca Ghiotto

Philo Paz Armand

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