This weekend, Ocean Racing Technology will start its engines for the first time in the 7th GP2 Main Series championship.
Istanbul Park will be home to the first two races of the season will take place before the Formula 1 Turkish Grand Prix. Johnny Cecotto Jr. and Kevin Mirocha are the two young drivers who will defend Ocean Racing Technology's colors out on the track.
They both took part in the off-season tests held at Silverstone and Barcelona, and took advantage of these four days of driving to get familiar with the Pirelli tyres as well as the GP2/11, the series' new car, which they put through the paces under different set-ups.
Johnny Cecotto Jr. feels his experience in the championship can be an asset, but he points out that with so many new parameters, the 2011 season is like heading out into the unknown. "It is hard to know how the championship will start, and who will be the fastest. We will have to wait and see how each team behaves," the Venezuelan driver added, "But I am confident and I am going to do my part, contributing to getting a good result in Turkey."
Kevin Mirocha is the only driver in the field with no experience in GP2 competition. The 20 year-old German driver adapted very well to the car and to the team during the off-season tests and he says he is ready to get started on the right foot. "I can't wait to race in Istanbul. For me it is a new championship, with new circuits, new tyres which wear interestingly, and what's more there is also a chance of rain" Kevin smiled, "I am a rookie and the least experienced driver in the championship, and so the GP2 Main Series will be a challenge and an excellent experience. I am certain I will be able to benefit from the team's best help and will be able to do a good job."
As for the team directors, Tiago Monteiro and José Guedes, the season starts with confidence in Ocean Racing Technology's abilities, as well as those of its drivers. Ocean Racing Technology starts its third year in the F1 feeder series and has a technical crew that has been competent and stable over time. Despite being so young, Johnny Cecotto Jr. and Kevin Mirocha have shown that they can be fast and that they have a good margin for progress. Kevin is just starting in the GP2 Main Series, but with Johnny Cecotto Jr.'s experience, he should gain confidence and reach his full potential.Weather forecasts are calling for a chance of rain, mainly on Saturday, May 7.
Temperatures should not exceed 15°C. The Istanbul races will be broadcast on Eurosport, Saturday at 7:00 p.m. and live Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
