Stoneman, Ilott join Red Bull Junior team

The Red Bull Junior Team heads into the 2015 season with sights set very high. Pierre Gasly continues after a superb 2014 and is joined by newcomers Dean Stoneman and Callum Ilott.
It is not going to be easy to match the sensational 2014 season but 18-year-old Frenchman Gasly has signed with the very successful DAMS team for GP2. Taking over the Formula Renault 3.5 attack for the Junior team is 24-year-old Briton Stoneman, also with DAMS.
Much earlier in the experience curve is the third member of the 2015 Junior Team, 16-year-old Briton Ilott. Following his open wheel debut in the Toyota Racing Series that he is currently contesting in New Zealand the central focus of the year for the KF European Champion will be the FIA Formula 3 European Championship as a member of the experienced and successful Carlin Team.

Pierre Gasly

“I’m sure it’s going to be a great year, it’s fantastic to continue in the Red Bull Junior team and we have a great GP2 programme with DAMS. They were the team I wanted to be with and as soon as I tested with them in Abu Dhabi at the end of last year it really boosted my confidence. We hit it off straight away, I felt at home so I was on the pace from day one.”

In 2014 Gasly was an excellent second to fellow Red Bull Junior Carlos Sainz in Renault 3.5 as well as contesting the last six races in the GP2 series. “I enjoyed my partial season in GP2 last year even though it was pretty tough. Now I’m with the best team and it will be very different, obviously my aim is to win the driver’s title and I am ready for it.”

Dean Stoneman

“To be part of the Red Bull Junior Team has been one of my life goals and it is fantastic to be given the chance. You just have to look at the names that have gone before to see that only the best drivers get into the programme.”

“I’m thrilled about the year ahead, to be in the DAMS team in World Series is a perfect opportunity. I obviously have all the support I need and we have a great build-up planned before the start of the season, plenty of time in the SIM before track testing starts in about 8 weeks.”

“I’m aiming very high, Carlos (Sainz) came from GP3 to World Series and won with DAMS last year. I think I showed last year in GP3 what I can do so I have no reason not to jump into Renault 3.5 and do well, get on the podium early and start racking up the points.”

Callum Ilott

“Being in the Red Bull Junior Team is a privilege, you just have to look at the history of the drivers that have gone before,” admits Ilott who is thrilled with the chance created by his karting success. “Last season was very good for me so I was hoping for a good start in cars but I didn’t imagine that I would get this opportunity.”

“The step up is quite something, I have a lot to learn but I have already had a very good start with a few F3 tests with Carlin and a couple of tests in a Renault 2.0 before coming out to New Zealand for the Toyota Series. There are a lot of experienced people around me to learn from and it gets better every time I go out.”

“This is my first open wheel race series and I am trying to learn as quickly as possible. I think it will be a good preparation for the F3. This car has less downforce and a bit less power but it is close enough to help.”

“For this year I want to make a good impression, show my speed early and keep improving.”