Leal stays with Carlin for 2015

Julian Leal will stay with Carlin for the 2015 GP2 Series. The Colombian racer who stood on the podium this season, will remain with the British squad to build on the progress made in the 2014 season. Leal is the first driver to be confirmed in Carlin’s 2015 line-up.

Leal will remain with Carlin next season after partnering Felipe Nasr in 2014 in Carlin’s GP2 team. Leal started his season in strong fashion, claiming two podium positions at the season opener in Bahrain following some fantastic overtaking manoeuvres around the Bahrain International Circuit.

The Colombian racer was a regular top ten qualifier, but unfortunately some bad fortune meant Leal didn’t quite reach the potential promised at the opening round, despite often being a pace setter in practice and setting the fastest lap of the race in both Barcelona and Monza.

Speaking about his 2015 campaign, Leal said, “I’m very happy to have the opportunity to stay here one year more. With all the teams I have worked with this is the best one for me; it’s a team that listens to what you say and follows you and advises you and this is good for me because I can learn a lot in a good environment. I’m very happy for this opportunity, I want to prepare a lot and work hard for next year and get the car as perfect as we can. I want to start the year as we did this year [with a podium] but then maintain that performance for the whole season. I’m very very happy to be here for another season.”

Trevor Carlin added, “We’re very happy that Julian has decided to stay with us for a second season. Based on the pace we have as a team and Julian has as a driver, together we should have had better results this year. Next year we intend to deliver our full potential with Julian who is a delight to have at Carlin; he is a great team player and great to work with.”

Leal will take the opportunity to carry out a detailed test programme with Carlin in Abu Dhabi this week, completing all three official test days around the Yas Marina Circuit.