Racing Engineering has revealed a 2008 line-up comprising one expected name and one less so, confirming that the GP2 veteran Giorgio Pantano would partner Javier Villa in the coming season.
The line-up underlines Racing Engineering's ambitious goals for 2008, with both drivers having proven themselves as race winners over the past couple of season, and Alfonso d'Orleans Borbon is no doubt hoping that the much-travelled Pantano can work the same sort of magic on his outfit as he did on Spanish rival Campos in 2007, when he took the erstwhile backmarker to a position of frontrunning regularity.
“I am very happy about our driver line-up for 2008 and think it is clear that, with Giorgio and Javi, we are aiming for the championship this year," the extrovert team boss said, "The effort put into everything we do is wholly in that direction. We have two drivers that have won and can continue to win. With our dedication, know-how, backing and top drivers, our aim this year can only be a championship win.”
Pantano joins his fourth different GP2 team in as many seasons - after Super Nova, FMSI and Campos - and expects to be able to challenge for both race wins and the title after finishing third overall last year.
“I am very happy to be with Racing Engineering as this is a good opportunity to go for the championship title," the Italian said, "I am sure that we can get good results this year.”
Villa, meanwhile, goes into his third year with Racing Engineering, having established himself as a racewinner in 2007, albeit in the reverse grid Sunday sprint events. The young Spaniard - he will still only be 20 this year - has welcomed the addition of Pantano's experience in what is being billed as the team's 'most ambitious line-up' as he aims to build on sixth position from last year.
