Now based in England, Stockinger returned to the country recently and started training for his GP3 assault under the guidance of German Max Schoener who has been working with several F1 drivers.

MANILA, Philippines — Marlon Stockinger, bidding to become the first Filipino Formula One driver, will make his debut in the 2011 GP3 Series in May in Istanbul, Turkey.

Stockinger, the 19-year-old son of a Swiss businessman and Filipino housewife, has been tapped by Atech CRS Grand Prix as one of its drivers along with Nick Yelloly of England. The third driver has yet to be named.

Atech CRS is an affiliate of McLaren and is ranked among the top teams in the GP3 series.

Stockinger competed with Atech GP in the Michelin Formula Renault UK series last year, winning at the Croft rounds mid-season as well as taking several other podium finishes on his way to eighth place in the drivers’ table.

The Filipino-Swiss was among the drivers that took part in a comprehensive test programme with the Silverstone-based team post-season. He will be reunited with his teammate Yelloly when they resume testing in a Formula Master car next month.

Stockinger, a former Formula BMW Pacific Scholarship winner, said he looks forward to rejoining his team with whom he has forged an excellent working relationship for the past two years.

“I feel great to be back with Atech for the upcoming season. I think the team is great and that we will achieve good results next year,” he said.

Stockinger has high expectations.

“My aim is to be the top rookie. It’s a lot to ask but I believe we can do it, given how well we did when I tested with the team in the winter tests. The cars themselves are great and I felt at home within a couple of laps,” he said. “It helped a lot that the systems like the steering wheel were the same as the Formula Renault making it an easy step. I’m happy to be competing with the best drivers, on the best tracks from all over the world, and look forward to a great season next year.”

Stockinger has earned the trust and confidence of Atech CRS Team Principal David Hayle.

"I'm really happy that Marlon is staying within the Atech family and progressing up the ladder with Atech CRS into GP3. His performances this season, including a dominant weekend at Croft, confirms how much he has improved over the past 12 months and it’s been a pleasure to work with him and see him mature into a front-running driver,” Hayle said.

 “He’s very well liked and a welcome addition to the team for 2011, and we look forward to seeing a continuation of his progress. I think continuity is very important, Marlon feels at home here and that’s also very important.”

Now based in England, Stockinger returned to the country recently and started training for his GP3 assault under the guidance of German Max Schoener who has been working with several F1 drivers.

“I’m here basically to make sure that Marlon is in top shape. His regimen includes running, biking and weightlifting. On a scale of 1 to 10, I’d say he’s about 6 or 7,” said Schoener.

Chris Wasserman, Stockinger’s driving coach, said Stockinger has huge potential to make it to F1.

“Today, I’d say he’s the quickest Asian driver,” said Wasserman.

The GP3 Series, which made its debut last year, is designed as a feeder series for drivers and teams whose aim is to reach Formula One.

Supported by F1 founder Bernie Ecclestone, the GP3 Series will be held at F1 events and is an ideal training ground for GP2 which has 11 graduates on the F1 grid.

Stockinger is hoping to acquit himself well in the GP3 Series and proceed to GP2 from where most F1 drivers come from.

GP3 consists of nine race weekends supporting the F1 European calendar. It is spread over five months and will be held in Turkey, Spain, Monaco, England, Germany, Hungary, Belgium and Italy.