Ocean Racing Technology resumes testing at Barcelona

Three weeks after its tests at Jerez de la Frontera, where Ocean Racing Technology successfully tested four drivers, the Portuguese GP2 Series team is resuming its inter-season tests on Barcelona's Montmeló circuit October 19 and 20, in preparation for the 2012 season.Just like the tests at Jerez de la Frontera, where he recorded the 6th best time in the final session, Antonio Felix da Costa will take the wheel of an Ocean Racing Technology car that he will be sharing with Brendon Hartley, who impressively finished the 2011 season with the Portuguese team, and Nigel Melker, who wrapped up 2011 on the third step of the GP3 Series podium.Antonio Felix da Costa hopes to keep up his momentum from the Jerez de la Frontera tests, and expand his knowledge of the GP2 Series car and the team itself. "I am well-adapted to the car, the team, and the engineers. I am sure that we can be in the top 5 or 6 in the Barcelona tests. The first session went very well and my goal, and the team's goal, is to take it to the next level in our development process," declared Antonio Felix da Costa, who will be driving for Ocean Racing Technology in the Abu Dhabi races, November 11-13.Brendon Hartley, who, with his 5th place finish at Spa-Francorchamps secured the best result for Ocean Racing Technology in the 2011 championship, affirmed his desire to participate in the Portuguese challenge. "I am very happy to be taking part in these tests. I really liked working with this team last season and I think that after a first day where we will have to find our marks, we will be able to aim for the top spots."Dutch driver Nigel Melker already has experience with the GP2 Series car, and he is optimistic about the Barcelona tests. "The team is very professional and I know that I can count on their experience," he declared. "I cannot thank Tiago Monteiro and Jose Guedes enough for giving me this chance."For Ocean Racing Technology's general managers, Tiago Monteiro and Jose Guedes, the Barcelona tests are essential for preparing for the 2012 season, where the Portuguese team will be taking part in the F1 feeder series. "We have a dual objective: testing drivers in order to establish the best driver line-up for 2012, and finding the best technical solutions before the upcoming Abu Dhabi races," the team's managers explained.

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