Grapevine: Gene to Race in Telefonica World Series

Spanish driver Marc Gene will compete in the Telefonica World Series this year after striking a deal with the Adrian Campos Motorsport team, it has been announced today.

"I am very satisfied to be returning to racing in this international championship of high-tech cars", said Gene, who will continue to be a Williams test driver throughout the season. "I began to think about the possibility of taking part in the World Series last year when I was present in a race in Madrid.

"I asked for permission to Frank Williams and (BMW boss) Mario Theissen. The two agreed from the first moment providing that my participation in this championship would not affect my F1 activity. It has been a difficult decision to make because I have a very tight F1 calendar."

Gene's involvement in the Telefonica World Series, however, will be limited, and he will only race when he is not demanded to test with Williams. The Spaniard will be partnered at Adrian Campos Motorsport by compatriot Santiago Porteiro.

Gene already drove for former Formula One driver Adrian Campos back in 1998, when he won the Formula Nissan title and earned a test with the Minardi team, with whom he made his Grand Prix debut before moving to Williams as a test driver in 2001.

Gene is testing with his new team today at the Barcelona circuit, before flying to Melbourne where he will assist the Williams team at the Australian Grand Prix.