Monday, November 17, 2008

Pantano returns to test 2009 updates

GP2 champion Giorgio Pantano was invited back to the series at the end of last week to test a package of updates for the Dallara-Renault used in the championship.

The Italian completed 400 kilometres of running at Paul Ricard, focusing mainly on ensuring that the new clutch that will be introduced for 2009 was sufficiently reliable.

GP2 technical director Didier Perrin declared himself highly satisfied with both the upgrades and Pantano's contribution.

"We enjoyed a trouble-free session and are very satisfied with the clutch in particular: I believe both the teams and the drivers will enjoy its input," he said.

"It was a real pleasure to benefit from Giorgio's expertise and experience. He is not only able to run fast laps one after the other with impressive regularity, but he can also analyse with great finesse the behaviour of the car."

Pantano, who has competed in GP2 since its inception and beat Bruno Senna to this year's title, said he was pleased to be invited back to help.

"I am really grateful to have been given the opportunity to help develop the car," he said. "The GP2 Series will always be a very important part of my career, and I am glad to help them."

The Italian has yet to finalise his 2009 plans, but has been linked to a return to the IndyCar Series, where he raced briefly in 2005.



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