Barcelon's Circuit de Catalunya has proved a happy hunting ground for Alex Lynn in the past and he'll be hoping that continues when the 2016 GP2 Series begins at the Spanish venue this weekend.

Having finish sixth in his rookie GP2 season last year, the 22-year-old racing driver from Dunmow is setting his sights on taking the title in the series that is widely regarded as the best proving ground for future Formula One racers.

Last year's champion, Stoffel Vandorne has already had a drive for the McLaren Honda team this year and the 2014 champion, Jolyon Palmer, is with the Renault works team in F1 and Lynn, who is development driver for the Williams Martini Racing Team again this year, has hopes of joining them.

However, he knows he needs to have an impressive display in GP2 in 2016 and realises that winning the title could prove vital to his chances.

Like he was last season, Lynn will be with the DAMS Racing team and has been working hard since the conclusion of the previous campaign with the French outfit.

Following two pre-season testing sessions in Spain, he is feeling good about his chances.

Lynn said: "We’re looking strong and I’m confident, and we’re going into the first round at Barcelona in good shape.

“It’s really important to make a good start to the season; it sets the whole team on the right path.”

The Essex racer knows the Catalunya circuit well, having won his first GP2 event there 12 months ago when he took victory in the sprint race and he took pole position, the chequered flag and fastest lap honours there on his way to claiming the GP3 title in 2014.

“Catalunya is a fantastic circuit and one I’ve had lots of success at," added Lynn.

"I think the circuit suits my driving.

"It’s got long straights and a variety of corners; we’re all champing at the bit to start racing competitively."

Another reason for Lynn to look forward to heading back to Barcelona is that, following his GP2 commitments this weekend, he will be testing for the Williams Formula One team there next week.

Lynn will drive on the first day of the two-day in-season test on Tuesday, getting behind the wheel of the team’s FW38 challenger built for the 2016 Formula One season, before Felipe Massa takes over on day two.

It will be the second time that the Essex man has taken part in an official Formula One test since joining Williams as development driver at the start of 2015.

He said: “A huge thank you to Williams Martini Racing for giving me this opportunity.

"With the testing restrictions, it’s an important chance for me to show what I can do but it is also important running for the team and I hope to help them to develop the FW38.

"My focus this week, as for the last few weeks, is on having a good first weekend of the GP2 season, but an opportunity like this is a great reminder of the ultimate goal.”

Ahead of that, GP2 practice is due to start at 11am (British time) tomorrow, with qualifying a 2.55pm the same day, with the feature race starting at 2.40pm on Saturday and the sprint race at 9.25am on Sunday.