“Alexander goals are F1 and he’s clearly talented” -Tiago Monteiro

Alexander Rossi will make his GP2 Asia series debut this weekend at ‘Yas Marina Circuit’ in Abu Dhabi. The 18-year-old from Nevada City, California, will pilot the 550bhp GP2 Dallara-Renault Asia series car for the Ocean Racing Technology (ORT) team, owned by former F1 driver Tiago Monteiro.

Rossi the 2009 International Formula Master, ‘Rookie Champion’ with 3 wins has completed four days of GP2 testing in October, two in Abu Dhabi last week and two earlier this month at the GP2 Main series test in Jerez, Spain as he prepares for BMW / Sauber F1 test, December 1-3rd. 

Alexander has been quite comfortable with the transition to the GP2 equipment and is looking forward to his debut this weekend supporting the Formula 1 finale.

“The Formula Master was the proper training ground for GP2,� says Alexander. “The biggest difference between the two cars is the brakes. With the carbon brakes in GP2 you have to hit the pedal harder when you arrive at your braking point. Now that I found the limit, we are adjusting the car to my driving style.

“There is more power and speed, but so is the grip, the transition from an IFM car has not been that much. The big difference will be the heavy fuel loads at the race starts, pit strategy and tire wear. I am looking forward to the inaugural event at Abu Dhabi where I will have the opportunity to put everything together.â€�

The GP2 Series is the main feeder category for F1 and this weekend’s two races will support the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which takes place at the new $400 million Yas Marina Circuit. In recent months, more than 40,000 people a day have worked at the track to ensure that it’s ready for the race weekend, and the results are spectacular.

“Formula One is big business and it’s crying out for an American driver,� says ORT boss Tiago Monteiro. “There is plenty of driving talent in America, but few of those drivers are prepared to come to Europe to ply their trade. Alexander goals are F1 and he’s clearly talented.�

“The circuit and infrastructure surrounding it is truly one of a kind,� says Alexander. “For a driver it is very similar to a street course. The opening section is quite quick; then it tightens up towards the end of the lap, like a street circuit. They seem to have thought of everything, even the tunnel exiting pitlane!�

Unlike other modern F1 circuits, Yas Marina has relatively little run-off thanks to the innovative energy-absorbing Tecpro Barriers that line the racetrack. At one point on the 3.45-mile track the run-off area even extends underneath a grandstand; in another place the track passes under the circuit’s 5-star hotel and the pit garages are air conditioned to improve working conditions for the mechanics.

“It’s great to be a part of F1’s season finale,� says Alexander. “We’ve still have a few technical issues to overcome from our test session last week, but I’m confident these will be handled. I feel very comfortable with the circuit and am looking forward to a good result.�

The GP2 Series is the first place that F1 teams look when they are searching for young drivers. There are currently seven ex-GP2 racers on the F1 grid, with 2009 GP2 champion Nico Hulkenberg set to be confirmed at Williams for 2010.

source: alexanderrossi.com