Heikki Kovalainen

Reemz27

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The GP2 Series concluded its development programme for 2009 with Giorgio Pantano at the wheel.

GP2's technical staff remained in Paul Ricard last Thursday and Friday to continue its winter development programme in preparation for the new season, with the 2008 GP2 Series Champion Giorgio Pantano on driving duty for the two days.

The main goal was to validate the 2009 upgrade kit, and more precisely to work on the new clutch reliability. In mild and sunny conditions Giorgio was able to complete 104 laps (400 kms) without any problem.

Didier Perrin, GP2 Series Technical director commented: "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. 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. His feedback allowed us to gather precious data that will help us work on strategies and on adapting the clutch to the engine."

Giorgio Pantano said: "The test went really well, and we were able to complete a great number of laps without any problem, and the car proved to be both competitive and consistent. I am really grateful to have been given the opportunity to help develop the car: The GP2 Series will always be a very important part of my career, and I am glad to help them."

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Reemz27

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Giorgio Pantano has admitted his recently-won GP2 championship is unlikely to lead to a career in Formula One.

If his fears are confirmed, the 29-year-old would be the only GP2 champion, in the company of Nico Rosberg (2005), Lewis Hamilton (2006) and Timo Glock (2007), who has not gone on to secure a seat in the premier category.

In the pages of the Italian magazine Autosprint, the frustrated Italian slammed the situation as a 'joke', where contenders he defeated in 2008 - Bruno Senna and Sebastien Buemi - appear poised to make their Grand Prix debuts.

"I feel total indifference towards me. I read of Senna and Buemi but, really, what have they done?"

"At this point, a guy in my situation must think that being a racing driver is not advantageous, doing another job would be better," said Pantano.

It appears that not only Pantano's age played against him in the eyes of F1 team bosses.

He actually made his F1 debut for the uncompetitive Jordan team in 2004, before being replaced near the end of the season.

Prior to his abortive Jordan tenure, Pantano had tests with Williams, McLaren and Renault.

Pantano charged: "Money is becoming the priority in order to race, talent doesn't exist anymore."

He said the only figure in the F1 paddock who has not 'abandoned' him is F1 Chief Executive Bernie Ecclestone, who spoke with Pantano on the phone a few days ago.

"The only real drives still available are at Honda and Toro Rosso," he said. "Bernie told me that if anything moves, I'll be the first to know."

Source: GMM
© CAPSIS International
http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headlines/news/detail/081204090146.shtml

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