Viso signs with HVM

Viso with team owner Keith Wiggins

HVM Racing is pleased to announce that Ernesto Viso, from Caracas, Venezuela will pilot the #33 entry for the 2008 IndyCar Series.

Most recently, "EJ" competed in the immensely competitive GP2 Series, in which he won twice and finished six times on the podium. He can also add F1 test driver to his resume, joining with the former Spyker team in 2006. Before that, he raced in British F3 and Formula Renault after winning the Skip Barber Dodge in America. Ernesto tested with the team twice over the winter in Sebring, Florida in a Champ Car, in preparation for the Series in 2008. He immediately impressed team owner, Keith Wiggins.

"Ernesto showed maturity and professionalism well beyond his years, and not only was he quick in the car, he was a very useful tool for the engineering staff. He gives good feedback and was quick to learn the DP01, and because of this I believe he will adapt to the Dallara very quickly as well. We wanted to work together in 2008, but the arena in which we will work together has somewhat changed! So, this is obviously a new chapter for Ernesto, and the team, and we are thrilled to have him behind the wheel. Together we will face the significant challenges of this new season in American open-wheel racing, told Wiggins.

Ernesto Viso:
"I am thrilled to join HVM Racing and the "new" IRL series, though it has been a long winter for me. I tested with the guys while they were still in Champ Car World Series and we were very close to sign a deal just before Christmas. Then, the reunification came and while I think it is fantastic, it was quite late so we had to start from scratch again. Keith and his team have been fantastic and kept us posted on the progress and when they were ready, we finalized the deal and here I am. The entry is new but the guys are the same. I know my engineer, mechanics and all the crew and have worked with them in my previous tests in Champ Car World Series, which will be a precious plus when we "start the engine", next Monday for the test in Homestead.

It's going to be a tough season for all the teams coming from Champ Car, but hey, it is the same for everyone. This is what racing is about and in situations like these, you have to work hard to make a difference. The team is good and I am confident that we can progress and learn quickly. My objective is to get in a competitive position by mid season, if we achieve that. anything can happen!

I am glad to be back in the U.S. where I started my open wheel career in Skip Barber and thrilled to count again with the backing of my country, and my sponsors – PDVSA, CANTV and Aserca Airlines – who supported me during my career."

The team will be on track at Homestead-Miami Speedway Monday and Tuesday for two days of oval testing before the season-opener next weekend, March 28-29 which can be seen on ESPN2 at 8:00pm Eastern time.