Racing Engineering hoping to finish the season on a high

Eight weeks after the last GP2 round in Monza, the 2010 GP2 Series celebrates its season finale at the spectacular Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi.

While the GP2 Asia teams raced in Abu Dhabi last winter, it is the first time for Racing Engineering to race at Yas Marina.

However, both Racing Engineering drivers participated in the Asia Series races and the Spanish team’s Christian Vietoris celebrated a victory at the Yas Marina circuit already.

Racing Engineering’s president, Alfonso de Orleáns-Borbón, lets us know about his thoughts and expectations for the last race weekend of the 2010 season and explains why the last two months have been so busy for the Spanish squad.

Alfonso, in Monza we finally saw what you have already predicted earlier this season: After an amazing start, Racing Engineering’s rookie Christian has climbed to the top spot of the podium for the first time. How was it for him, but also for the team, to finally get the reward for his excellent rookie season?

“I always said he is an incredibly talented driver and knew he would have a win this season. We just did not know when it would be. Although he came quite close in Istanbul and was spectacular with his two podiums in Hungary. He is definitely a contender for wins from now on.”

Dani Clos still has mathematical options to finish the 2010 GP2 Series as vice champion. Has he had any special preparation for the last event of the season?

“Not really, he has pretty much been doing what seems to work for him. I am hoping he finishes at least third for the season. He is definitely capable of it. We just have to see if everyone around him on the track keeps a sane head and avoids causing crashes as we have seen in the last few races which, honestly, were not exactly what one would expect from drivers who want to make it to F1. Sadly, it always caught Dani in the middle with no fault of his. A clean race should allow the best to show they are capable of.”

It’s the first time the GP2 Main Series celebrates a round at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi. What is your opinion on this impressive race track?

“Well, I have to admit that I have not personally been to the track until this weekend, but everything I have seen points to a great organization, well built facilities and good overtaking, something that a good track needs. So I expect it to be of the highest standards. Let’s see, ask me again after the weekend.”

With the drivers’ championship title decided, what are your expectations and targets for the last round of the 2010 season?

“To get Dani to finish in the top three of the championship while getting Vietoris the biggest possible points haul so he finishes the season on a high, which can only help with the work we have to get done this winter to have him as a championship contender next season. He is definitely capable of it and I believe in him tremendously.”

During the almost two month breaks between the Monza and Abu Dhabi round, the team has received the 2011 Dallara GP2 car. What can you tell us about the preparation that has been going on with the car and the team for the next season?

“Well, we have had an enormous amount of work to prepare the car for the shakedown. But obviously, I cannot tell you more since that would give too much away. You will have to see at the shakedown in Paul Ricard next week. All I can say it that the car is impressive and will be by far the most advanced car we have dealt with until this day. The aerodynamics are impressive. The drivers won’t be disappointed. »