DEAN Stoneman enjoyed a successful two-day test in the Spanish sun as he prepares for the start of the GP3 season.

The Southampton-based driver produced the fastest lap (1.36.312) while training with the Marussia Manor Racing GP3 team in Barcelona, where the GP3 season begins on May 10/11.

Stoneman, the 2010 F2 Champion, was joined by leading motorsport engineer Peter Berry who has successfully worked with many F1 drivers, including Daniel Ricciardo, Sebastian Vettel’s new Red Bull teammate.

The 23 year-old also worked with experienced racer and driver coach Kelvin Burt. “With us racing here in a few weeks it was vital that we were on the pace,” said Stoneman.

“I’m really confident now that we have a package to be competitive this year.

“We’ve worked really hard to make a big step forward with the car. “It was great to have Peter (Berry) on board, his expertise really helped us understand the car better. I’m really looking forward to working with him and Kelvin (Burt)."

The first race of the GP3 season will be held on the same weekend as the Spanish Grand Prix.