Javier Villa debuts in GP2 car

12th October 2005

Javier Villa, current leader of the Spanish Formula 3
Championship, celebrated his debut in a GP2 car yesterday at the
Paul Ricard track. The young Spaniard quickly learned how to
handle this powerful car and adapt to this new track.

ForJavier who has been behind the steering wheel of an F3
car, it was a big step up the ladder when he fastened the seat belt of
the Dallara GP2 car.  Javier was very excited about his first outing in
Paul Ricard with such a powerful car in his hands.

The Racing Engineering driver found his rhythm quickly and worked on getting to
know the car better every lap. Times were obviously not of
importance in the morning session, but nevertheless Villa was the 14th fastest out of 21 drivers on track - impressive given the fact that a lot of
drivers who have run the entire 2005 season in the GP2 Series,
tested in Paul Ricard as well.

In the afternoon Javier worked more on the set-up of the car and when he felt confident about marking a good lap time, the  crew mounted a set of new
tyres. However, Villa was not able to improve his lap time as a
red flag on the track stopped him right on his fast lap.

The afternoon session saw Javier in 13th position after having finished 103 laps
during this test.

Javier Villa “Everything went really well and I am very happy
with my first time in a GP2 car and in Paul Ricard. The times I was
able to make were not bad at all and it’s a pity I wasn’t able to finish
a lap on new tyres when there was a red flag. It was a very
interesting experience. Step by step I got used to the car and the
different driving experience compared to a Formula 3 car, as there is
quite some difference in acceleration and braking. I think we did a
good job today and now I will enjoy the impressions a bit more. But
then I have to change the chip as this weekend I am racing in Jerez
and my goal is increasing my lead in the Spanish Formula 3
Championship.”

John Gentry, technical director, commented: “We had absolutely no
problem with the car today and everything went fine with the driver.
He is very mature for a young man and asks for what he wants. I
think we did a lot of good work towards setting up the car for him and
lap times were never our main priority.”

Alfonso de Orleáns-Borbón, team principal, added: “I am impressed
by Javi’s first time not only in a GP2 car but also at this track. We
have to keep in mind that about half the drivers today did one entire
season of GP2. In that respect Javi really did an excellent job. But
before thinking about next year, Javi has to go back to Spain and win
the Formula 3 races in Jerez this weekend. This is definitely his
number one priority at the moment.”

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