Ocean Racing announces 2011 GP2 lineup

Johnny Cecotto Jr.

Kevin Mirocha

Ocean Racing Technology has placed its confidence in Johnny Cecotto Jr. and Kevin Mirocha to defend the team's colors in the 2011 GP2 Main Series. The GP2 Asia Series showed that Ocean Racing Technology has the potential to battle it out with the best of teams but it will be a big challenge for both of these young drivers this year where the F1 feeder series will be introducing a new single-seater, as well as new tires provided by Pirelli.

Johnny Cecotto Jr. is a 21 year old driver with dual German-Venezuelan citizenship. This young driver is the son of former moto world champion and F1 driver Johnny Cecotto, and he began his auto racing career in 2005. His experience racing in the GP2 Series with Trident and Supernova allowed him to demonstrate that he is a fast driver, and ready for the highest levels of auto racing. After learning the ropes in Formula BMW and Formula Renault, he climbed the podium in the German Formula 3 championship in 2008 before moving up to the GP2 Series.

Now only 19, Kevin Mirocha got his start in karting at age 13, and quickly climbed the ranks of auto racing. In 2010, Mirocha was one of the fastest drivers in Formula Renault 2.0 NEC, a championship in which he brought home one win and three podiums in seven races.

Tiago Monteiro, General Manager of the Portuguese team, explained why Ocean Racing Technology decided to take up the challenge with such young drivers. "The decision wasn't easy but we are very happy with our choice. With Johnny and Kevin, we are combining youth and experience. Despite being so young, Johnny has some good experience in the GP2 Series and he showed that he was fast and that he has the potential to do great things. Kevin is a promising young driver. He has limited experience but has made a strong impression in every category he has raced in. Ocean Racing Technology is happy to find such young talents and we are more motivated than ever to continue making progress in the gateway to F1" Tiago Monteiro declared.

Johnny Cecotto Jr. shares his team's enthusiasm. "I am very grateful to Ocean Racing Technology for giving me this opportunity. I will do my best, and I hope that we can fight for the wins that we deserve," he said. "It's a sound team with very experienced members. I know all the GP2 Series circuits, especially Monaco, which I like a lot and where I finished 4th last year. My objective is to bring home some good results and to continue in the sport, and also to thank the team, sponsors, and Venezuelans for having confidence in me."

As for Kevin Mirocha, he is eager to get behind the wheel of the GP2 car for the first time in the upcoming tests at Silverstone. "I am very happy to be entering the championship with Ocean Racing Technology. It is very nice to get a start with such a professional team. I have everything to learn, but I am confident that with the team's help I should be able to quickly find the right rhythm. I will be the youngest driver in the GP2 Series, but I am very confident!"

The GP2 Main Series begins in Istanbul, Turkey on May 6. Before the season starts, all teams in the championship will meet in Silverstone, and then Barcelona, for two weeks of tests, from April 5-6, and 19-20 respectively.