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George Russell Joins Birel
Double European KF3 champion George Russell will race for ‘da sempre leader nel mondo del kart’ after graduating to the KF2 class.
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Russell’s signing for the Italian giants ends months of speculation about who the highly-rated Englishman would drive for during 2013.
“It’s a very big brand and therefore an honour to be part of such a big team and to have the role I’ve been given this year,” said George.
Despite his impressive track record, the 14-year old says that Birel is not putting pressure on him to bring instant success: “First things first, my job will be to test as much as possible and develop the chassis and engine. I have not been given a specific brief by the team but, of course, my goal is to win everything. However, their expectation is simply to do the best we can.”
He added: “I feel excitement rather than pressure. It’s a very good feeling to sign for such a team with such an incredible history of success. Everyone at Lissone (Birel’s base near Milan) is so passionate and everywhere we go this season, we’ll be giving it 110%.”
Birel Motorsport’s Chairman, Ronni Sala, expressed his satisfaction after agreeing terms with Russell: "I kept a close eye on George throughout the last two seasons and I deem him one of the fastest and most experienced young drivers I have seen in action in KF classes. He has it all: the attitude of a winner and substantial technical skills."
Andy Cox, of Birel’s UK importers ACR, welcomes the famous marque’s new signing: "Without doubt, George has already demonstrated his exceptional talent and I'm delighted he has chosen to work with Birel Motorsport. I'm very confident that their collaboration will deliver the rewards that both George and Birel both crave. I look forward to seeing George and Birel on the top step of the podium in 2013"
Fresh from enjoying his first test as an official factory driver at Lonato, George travelled to Paris for the annual CIK-FIA Karting Awards gala. Surrounded by luminaries such as FIA President Jean Todt and the head of the CIK, Shaikh Abdulla bin Isa Al Khalifa, plus his fellow champions of 2012, George collected his European KF3 Championship trophy at a glittering ceremony.
“Just being there was amazing, as so few drivers get to go, and to attend for a second time was very special. I chatted with Jean Todt for a little while and the whole experience has further inspired me for this year. My main aim will be the World Championship and I hope that I can be as successful with Birel as I have been in the recent past with likes of Forza Racing. Terry Fullerton and Mike Wilson both won world titles with Birel and I would love to be the latest Briton to achieve that feat with the Ferrari of karting.”
Russell will make his Birel and KF2 debut at next month’s (2-3 February) opening round of the WSK Masters series at La Conca in Puglia, Italy.
PaddockTalk Perspective
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