DAMS announce 2017 line up

DAMS have revealed their driver line up for the 2017 season, fielding with Santino Ferrucci, Tatiana Calderon and rookie Bruno Baptista.

DAMS enjoyed a highly successful debut season in 2016,  by claiming two victories, five podiums and one pole position. Ferrucci raced for the team last season and was also picked up by Haas for a development role.

“The aim for this year will be to consistently finish in the top five and to be challenging for race wins.," he said. "The team worked extremely hard last year and to get those victories was a great accomplishment, so we have a good foundation to build on. I’m looking forward to getting back out there and giving my all for this fantastic team. I’m also delighted to be working with both Tatiana, who I know well from my time racing in America, and Bruno.”

Calderon joins the team from Arden and has an exciting year ahead of her after securing a much more competitive seat, and also a development role with the Sauber F1 team. 

"I’ve tested for DAMS on two occasions now and have always liked the way they work," she commented. "They really care about drivers and make you feel comfortable, whilst pushing you to your absolute limit. DAMS run a very professional operation and it the perfect place for me to continue my motorsport career. My race pace from last year was good and to be finishing in the top ten at every race is the goal."

Bruno Baptista will make his debut in the series, graduating from Formula Renault 2.0, and showed promising speed during the Abu Dhabi test with the team last year.

After graduating from karting, the 19-year-old Brazilian won the 2014 Formula 4 Sudamericana championship and, in 2016, was a consistent top-10 finisher in the highly competitive Toyota Racing Series.

"My aim for this year is to show my potential and score a few podiums. There’s a winning mentality within the team and I’m feeling confident about the year ahead. DAMS are well known for their commitment and professionalism, which is what attracted me. I can’t wait to get going."

Fergal Walsh