The president of Racing Engineering, Alfonso de Orléans-Borbón, was certainly sounding delighted with his new driver line-up, and optimistic that the team would be back in contention for the team championship in 2013 after a rather flat season last year by their high standards.
"I think that both drivers are professional, will be able to complement each other and can push each other for the best possible results," he said. "This should allow us to have a very productive season.
"I am very happy that Fabio is driving for our team for another year in 2013," de Orléans-Borbón continued. "He has already showed last year that he is one of the best up and coming drivers. In 2012 he finished on the podium six times and led races for many laps.
"What makes me the happiest is that we can build on what we learned together in 2012 and this makes me confident for the upcoming season," he added, before making clear his expectations of the team and driver for the forthcoming campaign: "It is our goal that Fabio wins the championship."
As for new boy Leal, de Orléans-Borbón extended him a warm welcome to the Spanish squad and said that the best was yet to come from the youngster.
"2013 will be the year where we will see his full potential," de Orléans-Borbón insisted. "He has the ability and the determination to get the job done. Julian has already worked with Fabio and after a thorough preparation during the pre-season; I am convinced he will quickly obtain good results."
Leimer and Leal will take to the track for the first time in 2013 at the pre-season
GP2 test at
Jerez in Spain on February 26-28.