Pantano signs with Racing Engineering
According to the Spanish outfit, this line-up underlines Racing Engineering's ambitious goals for 2008 as it continues with partners Repsol and Telef¢nica.
With Javier Villa and Giorgio Pantano, Racing Engineering presents its most ambitious driver pairing since the Spanish squad began competing in the category widely regarded as the stepping stone to Formula 1. Both have already demonstrated their capacity to win races in GP2, and together they make an excellent team, being the right mixture of youth, speed and experience, the ideal ingredients to aim for the top positions in Racing Engineering's fourth season in this championship.
For Javier Villa (left) 2008 will be his third season in GP2 with Racing Engineering. Following his debut in 2006 aged only 18, Javier was the youngest driver in the GP2 field in 2007. He was one of the surprises of the season with his three race wins as well as other podiums and finishing the championship in an excellent sixth position. Being the youngest driver ever to have won a GP2 race, Javier Villa is one of the favorites for the 2008 title.
Pantano joins Racing Engineering with the unquestionable guarantee of his experience in Formula 1 and his good results in GP2. The Italian is one of the most experienced and fastest drivers in international single-seater racing. Having finished last year's GP2 season in third position, Giorgio is definitely one of the title aspirants in 2008.
Alfonso de Orleáns-Borb¢n: "I am very happy about our driver line-up for 2008 and think it is clear that with Giorgio and Javi, we are aiming for the championship this year. The effort put into everything we do is wholly in that direction. We have two drivers that have won and can continue to win. With our dedication, know-how, backing and top drivers, our aim this year can only be a championship win."
Pantano: "I am very happy to be with Racing Engineering as this is a good opportunity to go for the championship title this year. I am sure that we can get good results this year."
Javier Villa: "I think this season could be very good for the whole team at Racing Engineering. I see the staff changes made as very positive and I'm sure they will help us improve in the development of the new GP2 car. Certainly having a driver as experienced as Giorgio Pantano makes us one of the teams with a chance of championship success."