17/06/2009
NEWS STORY
In just three rounds of the GP2 Main Series, Ocean Racing Technology has displayed the extent of its know-how and the quality of its performances despite their young age in the discipline. In Monaco and Turkey, the two drivers from the Portuguese team were in the fight for points positions and even for the victory. Even though they didn't secure results that reflect their fundamental value, it wasn't because of their fundamental performances.
The coming weekend will be a chance to finally realize the potential of the team and its drivers, Karun Chandhok and Alvaro Parente, who will be aiming to secure as many points as possible that are within their range.
Author of the fastest lap of the race in Turkey, Karun Chandhok has stressed that the team deserves to secure points on a more regular basis. "Lady luck was not on our side in the first rounds and the only thing we have left to do, but also the most important thing, is to translate our potential into big points. I clocked the fastest lap of the first race in Istanbul and we had all the elements necessary to finish in the top 5 at least. In terms of raw speed, the car is excellent and its behaviour is also very good. We have to work on the reliability, but we have already reached a very good level. For me, to race at Silverstone is a bit like being in my own back yard, because I live five minutes from there. It is also one of my favourite tracks and one of the fastest in the championship. The first part of the circuit you take flat and the average speed is quite similar to the one we had in Istanbul where we were competitive," explained the Indian racer.
As for teammate Alvaro Parente, the main desire is to remain fully focussed on his goal. The Portuguese driver is determined to avoid the incidents that cost him invaluable places in the preceding rounds and wants to be on his best on British ground. "We were very competitive in Turkey but we could not show this with points. Our car is fast and well balanced and we will do everything in our power to secure good results in Silverstone. It is a track that I like and I have raced there several times already," explained Alvaro, who won two races at Silverstone during his championship year in Formula 3. "It is a fast and technical track, with some very interesting sections from a driving point of view. I think the circuit will suit Ocean Racing Technology and will allow us to get some good results."