Fabio Leimer will launch another attack on the GP2 Series title this year after re-signing with Racing Engineering, who have hired Julian Leal as his teammate.
Swiss driver Leimer finished seventh in the standings in 2012 with the Spanish team, scoring six podium finishes and a pole position at Silverstone. He had been linked with a DTM switch after testing for BMW, but will now spend a fourth season in the Formula 1 feeder series.
“I am very happy I can drive again with Racing Engineering in 2013,” said the 23-year-old. “I already felt very comfortable in this team last year, our collaboration was extremely professional and I am happy we can continue to build on this. I would also like to thank the team for their trust in me.
“I am convinced that in 2013 we have very good chances to win the championship. I would also like to thank all those, who are additionally supporting me. It was not easy to obtain the funds for another season in GP2. Now I am optimistically looking forward and am impatiently waiting for the first race on the 23rd of March to start.”
Leal replaces Nathanael Berthon alongside Leimer having scored a handful of points driving for Trident Racing last season. The Colombian was previously teammate to Leimer at Rapax in his rookie campaign in 2011, failing to score any points.
“Racing Engineering is a team I believe in and where I feel that I can demonstrate the experience I have gained so far,” said the 22-year-old.
“I am happy we reached agreement and that Racing Engineering will be my team in 2013 and I will be giving everything to achieve the best possible results. It is a positive point to be able to work again with Fabio as he is a very fast driver and we will be able to compare the data to continually improve.”
Team president Alfonso de Orleans-Borbon added: “I am very happy that Fabio is driving for our team for another year in 2013. He has already showed last year that he is one of the best up and coming drivers. In 2012 he finished on the podium six times and led races for many laps.
“Our collaboration was always very professional. What makes me the happiest is that we can build on what we learned together in 2012 and this makes me confident for the upcoming season. It is our goal that Fabio wins the championship.
“As for Julian Leal, we are very happy to welcome him at Racing Engineering. 2013 will be the year where we will see his full potential. He has the ability and the determination to get the job done. Julian has already worked with Fabio and after a thorough preparation during the pre-season; I am convinced he will quickly obtain good results.
“I think that both drivers are professional, will be able to complement each other and can push each other for the best possible results. This should allow us to have a very productive season.”
