Valencia: Racing Engineering preview

Welcome to our World!

As Racing Engineering prepares for the first round of the GP2 series, which takes place this weekend in Valencia, Spain, the team takes this moment to share its ambitions for 2006 and provides some useful information. Please come in and make yourself at home.

A distinctive approach

Racing Engineering is a team with a big vision and an incredible work ethic. We took two race wins in the GP2 series in 2005, and are hoping to build on that over the coming season.

The team competes not only in the GP2 series but also in Spanish F3, and this link provides a fantastic ladder for young Spanish drivers to climb towards F1. In 2006, the squad will field young Spanish sensation Javier Villa alongside highly regarded GP2 series second-year driver Adam Carroll.

This combination of youth and experience is sure to set the team up for a great year. As Alfonso says, the team is looking to better their 2005 results and go for the title.

Our Team Personnel
Team Principal: Alfonso de Orleans-Borbon
Team Manager: Thomas Couyotopoulo
Technical Director: John Gentry
Adam's engineer: Gary Anderson
Javier's engineer: Tim Wright

Three questions to Alfonso de Orleans-Borbon

What does competing in the GP2 series mean to you?

AOB: It is the final step before Formula One for every member of every team. We are a team with a lot of drive and determination to prove ourselves on a global stage, and the GP2 series represents the perfect platform to do this. We race on grand prix weekends in front of huge crowds and the Formula One paddock, so for the team and our sponsors there really is no other place we'd rather be.

What impressed you most about the racing last season?

AOB: To be honest, it was the extreme level of competition that impressed me the most. We had so many different race winners, and the battles were close from the front to the back of the grid. I think with the slick tyres the racing will be even closer in 2006, and that is saying something! We're in for a great championship.

What are your hopes for the 2006 season?

AOB: To win! Actually, my aim is to have a better year than last season. That always has to be your priority. If we can finish in the top three for both team and drivers, I'll be happy... although Adam should be able to win the championship.

Our artists

Adam Carroll Car n°9
"There's no doubt that the GP2 series is the stepping stone to Formula One. Basically if you do well you'll get noticed. The car is very good. I loved it in 2005, but the 2006 version is a real step forward from last year with the slick tyres - they mean more grip. It's quicker and has less downforce at the rear, the back end of the car is much more lively, which I like ... although it is all hard work! I won three races last year - now I want the championship. Working with Racing Engineering is something I'm very excited about. We can do great things together. I'd also love to retain my Monaco crown."

Javier Villa Car n°10
"GP2 is a big championship, and this year everyone knows where they are going and are better prepared to win. I think the level will be very high. I want to finish the championship in a good place and to repay the faith of the sponsors and Alfonso. It will be a learning year but I will work hard, and I think it will be possible to be fast and competitive. Having Adam as a team-mate will be great because he has a year's experience of the car and the series. We'll be able to share data, and I'm sure that will be a great help."

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