Two exhibition races of the GP2 Main Series will take place this coming weekend, November 11-13 at Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina circuit, before the Formula 1 World Championship. This will be a chance for Ocean Racing Technology to test out Portuguese driver Antonio Felix da Costa, as well as French driver Nicolas Marroc, both rookies in the F1 feeder series.
The Abu Dhabi meeting offers the chance for a full-scale practice before the new season of competition begins. It will also enable Ocean Racing Technology to refine its driver selection for the 2012 season.
After driving several times with the team led by Tiago Monteiro and José Guedes, Antonio Felix da Costa is eager to use a race to display the potential he exhibited during the Barcelona tests in late October, where he was twice in the top 7. "I feel well prepared physically and I know that I can count on Ocean Racing Technology for the technical aspect. My objective is to have good performance, starting with my first GP2 Series race on a track I already know. Tyre management will be a determining factor for success and I know that I will have to use my head more than my heart!" commented Antonio Felix da Costa, "Driving at the limit will not be beneficial over the long term. The essential thing will be to acquire good experience with Ocean and I hope to bring Portugal a worthwhile result to thank the team and everyone who believes in me."
Nicolas Marroc is no stranger to Ocean Racing Technology. The French driver got to know the team in 2010 on the very same Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi, and he says he is flattered by the opportunity presented to him by the Portuguese team. "It's a dream come true," Nicolas Marroc said, "Rejoining Ocean is an immense pleasure, all the more so since this time it will be to take part in two GP2 races. I will do everything to be up to the confidence Ocean's put in me. This will be a very important weekend for my career and whatever happens I am sure I will learn a lot of things that will help me meet the challenges awaiting me in the Le Mans Series."
In line with the good tests of Jerez de la Frontera and Barcelona, Tiago Monteiro and José Guedes are confident they will be able to secure a good result together at Abu Dhabi. "Antonio Felix da Costa is a known quantity that we believe in and the team is ready, motivated, and determined to make sure his first GP2 race weekend is a success. Antonio is a driver who has shown he is up to this challenge and we are sure he will do a good job. As for Nicolas, exactly one year ago he drove with us on the same track, and therefore it was logical to include him in our Abu Dhabi plans. His career has developed nicely and these two races will be a chance to accentuate this development."
