Liverpool team signs Valles

Liverpool Football Club has a big slice of Spanish influence from the coach to the on-pitch stars – now the Reds will be represented on track by a young Spanish star of the future in Superleague Formula.

Adrian Valles

Coach Rafael Benitez, striker Fernando Torres, goal keeper Pepe Reina, midfield Xabi Alonso, and defender Alvaro Arbeloa will now be joined by fellow Spaniard and talented racing driver Adrian Valles who will drive the 750 horsepower, V12 powered Superleague Formula car in the opening round of the championship at Donington Park on August 30/31.

After a successful karting career, Valles has risen through the ranks to major international championships including World Series by Renault and GP2 and scored a role as test diver for the Spyker Formula 1 team last year.

The Valencia-born Valles is now looking to follow in the footsteps of ex-Valencia coach Benitez to become a hero for the Liverpool fans.

Currently contesting the Formula 1 support championship, GP2, Valles is no stranger to success at Donington Park. He previously won the UK round of the World Series by Renault Championship at the historic midlands venue.

“I am really happy for the opportunity to represent Liverpool," Valles said.

“I have followed the club closely ever since Benitez took over the helm and obviously there are a lot of top Spanish players representing the club as well.

“Liverpool is one of the most famous clubs in the world so it really is a honor to drive their car in the inaugural championship."

Valles contested last weekend’s round of the GP2 championship on home soil at the European Grand Prix, staged around the harbor of Valencia.

This week he will enjoy a 150 horsepower increase as he steps from his red BCN Compeition GP2 machine to the red Liverpool Superleague Formula car in pre-event testing on Thursday.

“These cars are going to be very powerful and quick and it will be a natural progression for me after racing in World Series by Renault and GP2," Valles said.

“I am really looking forward to driving the car for the first time and it is great for me that the first race is at Donington Park because I have had great success there in the past and I really like the circuit."

Valles will face a number of key rivals in the Superleague Formula championship including fellow Spaniard Borja Garcia (Sevilla), Robert Doornbos (AC Milan), Yelmer Buurman (PSV Eindhoven), Tristan Gommendy (FC Porto) and Ryan Dalziel (Rangers).

In total, Liverpool FC and Valles will do battle against clubs from England (Tottenham Hotspur), Scotland (Rangers), Italy (AC Milan and AS Roma), Portugal (FC Porto), Netherlands (PSV Eindhoven), Germany (Borussia Dortmund), Belgium (RSC Anderlecht), Switzerland (FC Basel), Greece (Olympiacos), Spain (Sevilla FC) Turkey (Galatasaray), UAE (Al Ain), Brazil (Flamengo and Corinthians) and China (Beijing Guoan).