GP2 Series team owner David Price has admitted that he would love to have Andy Soucek back on board next season, despite SPR's place on the grid apparently one of those under threat.

Soucek, the 2005 Spanish F3 title winner, endured a disappointing start to the season as DPR struggled to get its cars away from the back of the grid, but came on strong after a mid-season reshuffle and posted two podium finishes across the final couple of rounds. He then remained with the team for the opening 'winter' test, at Jerez last week, topping the times on the opening afternoon and recording strong results in all four sessions.

While DPR is understood to be fighting for its place in the GP2 field in the face of increased interest in the series, team owner Price is optimistic that, not only will he have two cars on the grid after the team's improved end-of-season form, but that Soucek will return to lead the 2008 assault.

“We came straight [to Jerez] from Valencia, not changing anything, and on the back of two podiums we were confident that we had the package that can match anyone out there," he said, "I think we proved that with both drivers able to get the best out of the car. Luca [Filippi] gave us a good benchmark, while Andy was able to work on setup development with Andy Miller and his engineering team, as well as having a shot at topping the timesheets - which he achieved in the afternoon.

“We had a slow start to the season but, from the mid-point, we began to make real progress, so that, by the end of it, we were up there challenging for the win. Right from
the first test with Andy [Soucek], I've believed in his abilities as a driver and never doubted how quick he can be. I think, through this season, he's grown in confidence with the team and we've helped him to be more of a complete driver. I really hope that he'll stay with us, so that we can both benefit from all the hard work this season.”

Soucek and Filippi were joined on the second day of the Jerez test by series newcomers Paulo Nocera and Federico Rossi, with Price happy with the progress they made.

“I think Paulo and Federico learned from their experiences," he reflected, "Federico's times didn't reflect his potential as he ran all his laps on used tyres, but he was able to gain experience with carbon brakes in a powerful car, and coped well with this new challenge.”