Parente joins Carlin for Valencia

Portugal’s Ã�lvaro Parente will be competing in Carlin colors as GP2 springs back into action on the Valencia street circuit this weekend. The 26-year-old from Porto, who has already been in action this season with Racing Engineering, now returns to the English squad with which he won the 2005 British Formula 3 title.

“I’m excited to be back with Carlin," Parente comments. “I spent three great years with Trevor and the team from 2004 to 2006 and it’s nice to back, so thanks to the team for giving me this opportunity. I’m also really happy to be racing in GP2; it’s the category closest to F1 and it’s a big challenge for the drivers.

“I must say a big thank you to McLaren, not only for giving me an opportunity in the McLaren MP4-12C GT3, but also for allowing me to race in GP2. I’m extremely happy and very excited about helping Carlin in their first season in the series."

Parente takes the place of Oliver Turvey and will therefore be sharing a garage with Max Chilton.

“We have great respect for Alvaro and know from experience what a talented and quick racing driver he is," adds team owner Trevor Carlin. “We’ve shown in the last couple of races what we’re capable of as a team and with Max and Ã�lvaro we’re expecting to make further progress this weekend in Valencia."