20/05/2009
NEWS STORY
Ocean Racing Technology will take part in the second round of the GP2 Main Series championship in Monaco this weekend, the Portuguese team determined to secure its first points on the most demanding circuit of the championship. It will be the first time in their short career that the Ocean Racing Technology squad will race on a street circuit and while it will be a big challenge for both engineers and mechanics, the two drivers have good knowledge of the Monaco layout. Both drivers overcame the Monaco challenge last year with both recording a podium finish.
Alvaro Parente is now hoping to continue the tradition and to secure some strong points here this weekend. "My last race here was quite good and I hope it will be the same this year," he said. "I think we have what it takes to secure a good result. We know the qualifying session will be even more important than anywhere else because overtaking opportunities are slim. A bad result in qualifying compromises the chance to be well placed in the race."
Meanwhile, teammate Karun Chandhok feels that this is a very special round and loves to race on the tight and twisty streets of the Principality. It is always a pleasure to compete here for the Indian driver pilot, who has already visited the princely podium reserved for the top three finishers. Karun has turned the page on his Barcelona race and is eagerly awaiting the streets of Monte Carlo. "Monaco is one of my favourite tracks. This is a very special meeting. The track is spectacular and if a driver says he does not like to race here he must have some serious problems! To race here or at Silverstone and Spa is one of the biggest privileges of our profession. The barriers are so close there's no room for the smallest mistake. In Barcelona we had a margin for error but here you need to have nerves of steel."
As well as their own knowledge Alvaro and Karun have the added experience of Tiago Monteiro, the Portuguese driver knowing only too well the traps around the Monte Carlo layout.
The GP2 Main Series will share the most glamorous round of the season with Formula One and the weather should be pleasant with sunny skies and a maximum temperature of 25 degrees C expected.