The DAMS team announced that it will enter Romain Grosjean and Pal Varhaug in the GP2 Asia and Main Series.
DAMS, the Le Mans-based French team, has but a single aim in 2011 - to win the GP2 Series titles, and has recruited a mix of experience and talent for the coming season. 25-year-old Frenchman Romain Grosjean, a member of the Gravity Sport Management program, who raced in seven F1 grand prix for Renault Sport in 2009, and already has considerable experience in GP2, will team up with young Norwegian, Pal Varhaug. The 19 year old was one of the revelations of the 2010 GP3 Series scoring his maiden win in the Series in the inaugural event on the Catalonian circuit near Barcelona.
Romain Grosjean: “It’s a big challenge that DAMS and I are taking up in 2011. In just a few races last year the team welcomed me with open arms, and I soon understood that we were linked by a common objective – to make it to the top! Today I’m counting the hours that separate me from our first test together, given the strength of my relationship with each of the team members from both a human and professional point of view. I’ve got no doubts about the level of performance of the cars prepared by DAMS, and I know we’ll get the best out of them. We’ll all chase the title together.”
Pal Varhaug: “Joining DAMS is a dream come true for me as I know I’m driving for one of the best teams in GP2. Here I am just a step away from Formula 1 and getting even closer to fulfilling my main objective – to become the first Norwegian to reach the summit of motor racing. I couldn’t have a better team-mate than Romain who’s one of the quickest drivers in the world. I’m sure I’ll make progress at his side. This will be a learning year for me, and I hope I’ll be able to fight for victory in 2012.”
Loïc David, General Manager: “Romain’s talent and technical input need no further proof. Pal convinced us that he’s a promising driver in the making during the GP2 tests at the end of 2010 in Abu Dhabi. Normally, a debutant is around 1.5 seconds slower than the quickest on the first day, and he was only one second behind an experienced driver! Our team can’t wait to start racing again with a couple of drivers whose talent will enable us to aim for the ultimate prize in the GP2 Series.”
Jean-Paul Driot, CEO: “With new drivers and the change to Pirelli tyres and the adoption of a new gearbox, the 2011 GP2 Series looks very exciting from both a sporting and technical point of view. We’re waiting to see how things will unfold. Uncertainty reigns but one thing doesn’t change the high level of competition in the Series since its creation. We’re hoping to be among the front-runners in 2011. Romain Grosjean’s experience combined with the talent of young Pal Varhaug has given our title ambitions a serious boost.”
The GP2 Asia tests are programmed for 2-3-6-7 February in Abu Dhabi where the championship will kick off on 11th February. The opening of the GP2 Main Series is scheduled for 7th May in Istanbul in the context of the Turkish Grand Prix.