Pantano eager to join Campos team

The reigning GP2 champion, Giorgio Pantano, claims he would be ready to renew his relationship with the Campos team in Formula 1. This new team will be on the starting grid in 2010 after being included on the FIA list.

Pantano won his first GP2 victories with Campos in 2007. That year, he finished third in the championship. He is therefore the reigning champion since last year he clinched the crown but with the Racing Engineering team.

« There is nothing to say at the moment, only that we have had a good relationship with Adrian Campos and also that we have accomplished great things together, » said Giorgio Pantano.

« I heard the FIA announcement and I am happy for him and the people working with him. It’s a wonderful day for them. Now we will see if there is a chance for me to join Formula 1. »

Moreover, the Italian is convinced that Campos is a very good option from a competitive standpoint.

« I think Campos will do a very good job in collaboration with Dallara for the design of the car. It’s good for the sport to have another manufacturer and Dallara is the best group to hold this rank.

« We will wait and see what happens, but I don’t think I will have to wait long to know my fate! » He continued.

The 30-year-old driver, who raced in F1 with Jordan for most of the 2004 season, admitted that his age has probably been a barrier to signing a contract this year. However, he doesn’t think it should be considered a problem.

« We must be honest. Jenson [Button] is my age and we raced go-karts together. Yet, he is the undisputed leader in F1 to date. »

« [Fernando] Alonso raced with me, he may be two years younger. With [Sébastien] Bourdais, we are about the same age and I even think he is a year older. Kimi [Räikkönen] is about my age too. »

Apparently, they are not too old themselves, but I realize that if I am to get back into sports, I need to do it as soon as possible. I no longer have the time to wait. I have enough experience now.

« My dreams are Formula 1 and IndyCar, I no longer want to race in other categories, I am focusing on these two sports from now on. In the worst case, I would be forced to reconsider my future, » concluded Pantano.