The 2012 GP3 Series champion will receive a 200,000 euro [$262,000] prize from tire supplier Pirelli if they graduate to GP2 for 2013, the series has announced. The champion driver will also drive in a GP2 development test during the winter.
GP2 and GP3 chief Bruno Michel said: "This is fantastic news for all of our young drivers, who will get a great motivation boost out of Pirelli's prize fund, as they pursue their goal to be successful and make it in Formula 1."
Pirelli racing manager Mario Isola said the prize fund was a logical extension of the firm's involvement in all stages of the F1, GP2 and GP3 ladder.
"It's always been Pirelli's philosophy and one of its goals to help young promising drivers to reach the top of motorsport," he said. "This prize fund of 200,000 euros is part of this: we want to accompany a talented driver from GP3 to GP2, the two series which are the natural path to F1."
Inaugural GP3 champion Esteban Gutierrez moved straight into GP2, but his successor Valtteri Bottas will focus on a Williams F1 test and reserve role this year.