21/12/2007
NEWS STORY
Fisichella Motor Sport International has announced that Adrián Vallés will race for the team in both the 2008 GP2 Asia Series and GP2 Series.
Adrián, who was born in Teulada (Valencia) in Spain, has previous GP2 experience in 2006, achieving a podium finish in Valencia. In 2007, the 21-year-old was the official reserve and test driver for the Spyker F1 Team. In 2008, Adrián will focus on his GP2 campaign with Fisichella Motor Sport International, competing in both the GP2 Asia Series and the GP2 Series, whilst continuing his testing duties in F1.
Adrián began his racing career in 1995, competing in karts for six years. He was extremely successful in this discipline, recording 13 championship and cup victories before making the move up to formula racing in Spanish Formula Toyota in 2001. He finished third in the series and moved up to Spanish Formula Junior the following year, winning the championship outright.
He competed in the World Series Light in 2003, finishing fourth in the championship after recording four race wins and four further podiums and then scored three podiums in the 2004 Formula Nissan World Series. Prior to his GP2 debut in 2006, Adrián finished runner-up in the 2005 Formula Renault 3.5 World Series, notching up two race wins and six podiums.
Adrián Vallés: "I had a good connection with FMSI in testing at Paul Ricard and I am really happy that they wanted me to drive for them. I think it is a great opportunity to return to GP2 and aim for the championship. It's been good testing the F1 for Spyker this year, but it's still important to keep racing and winning races, and if I can win the championship it would be the best way to consolidate my F1 career. The races in Asia will be very good to begin racing again and working with the team and then we will have the new car in time for the GP2 Series in the summer and that is going to be great. The new car looks really good and I think it's going to be much quicker than the current car. I can't wait to begin the season."
Giancarlo Fisichella: "I am very happy to have Adrián in my team. Fisichella Motor Sport International is getting stronger and I am proud of it. With Adrián onboard we have a good shot at the championship."
Paolo Coloni, Team Principal: "I followed Adrián's performance in other formula with interest and was very impressed when we had the opportunity to test him at Paul Ricard. He was very fast, consistent and gave very good technical feedback. The team immediately established a good relationship with Adrián. I'm sure he is going to be a very strong competitor and I really look forward to the first race in Dubai."
Enrico Zanarini, Team Principal: "I am glad that Adrián has decided to sign for both championships with Fisichella Motor Sport International. Winning GP2 is the only certain way to get a seat in Formula One and we believe Adrián has all the characteristics of a winner."