ONTARIO (CANADA) - David Ostella announced today he is officially off to open-wheel car racing as he has signed with Eurointernational to contest the 2008 Formula BMW Americas Championship. "I'm very excited to get the deal done," Ostella said in releasing the news this morning. "Now I can't wait for the team test in South Carolina, which comes the first weekend after the end of the Florida Winter Tour at Ocala."
After completing his junior karting career in the fall and taking part in a number of shoot-outs, Ostella tested for three days in Italy last December, turning laps in a Eurointernational FBMW car at the Circuito Valle dei Templi, in Sicily. The 16-year-old handled both wet and dry conditions very well, and negotiations began for the coming season.
"David was in a FBMW car for the first time following the school in Valencia and he progressed, getting better and better, especially on the final day with the rain," said Antonio Ferrari, Eurointernational owner. "His learning curve was very good, and I think after our tests in March he will be ready for the first collective test at VIR."
Eurointernational has the most wins in the history of Formula BMW USA from only three years of participation. It has produced 35 podiums from 40 starts, including 15 wins, 17 fastest laps, 11 poles and 7 track records. It has scored back-to-back Team and Driver Championships - a fact well known to Ostella and fellow Canadians as they came at the hands of Robert Wickens and Daniel Morad during rounds at Mosport International Raceway.
Upon learning of the announcement, Morad was thrilled to know his young colleague will be joining him at Eurointernational.
"I was very happy to hear David had signed with Eurointernational for 2008," Morad said. "It was a great choice on his part because Antonio Ferrari runs one of the most professional and most competitive operations in the paddock." Morad remains with the team as well, contesting the Atlantic Championship, and will be working with Ostella in the year ahead. "In addition to driving duties I will be helping with coaching and the FBMW team," he said early Thursday morning. "I'm looking forward to working with David and helping him be as successful as possible in his learning year of Formula BMW."
Ostella and the full Eurointernational Formula BMW Americas driver lineup will work with Technical Director Nicola Sgotto and a team of engineers. Prior to the first Official test of the season March 5/6, the team will test at Carolina Motorsport Park, Virginia International Raceway and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. A 14-round championship follows, highlighted by support races at both the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal and the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos.
Ostella begins his race season March 16 at Laguna Seca Raceway. David races FBMW with support from Global Precast Motorsports and Alpinestars. For the latest news and information visit http://www.davidostella.com/ , http://www.eurointernationalgroup.com/ , or www.formulabmwusa.com
Release prepared by: RACEPR Holland Race Media
Photo Credit: http://www.davidostella.com/ // Photo Cutline: David is set for his rookie FBMW campaign with Eurointernational.
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