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Ocean recalls Buurman for Bahrain

Yelmer Buurman is to return to GP2 with Ocean for the rest of the Asia series, starting from this weekend's Bahrain rounds

The 23-year-old Dutchman previously drove for Tiago Monteiro's team in the 2008/09 winter championship. He raced in Superleague Formula for most of last year, winning twice for Anderlecht.

Buurman replaces Max Chilton alongside Fabio Leimer in Ocean's line-up. Chilton has already secured an Ocean deal for the main 2010 championship, but is contracted to Addax for the Asia series - although he made a temporary switch to Ocean for the second Abu Dhabi event to let Addax's full-season driver Giedo van der Garde learn the Yas Marina track.

"Two days ago I received a call from Tiago and he asked me if I would be ready to race in Bahrain," Buurman said. "I was really excited. GP2 is the feeder series for F1 but it is very difficult to find budgets for a race season with a top team.

"It was a last minute call, I had a quick night and I will arrive in Bahrain late, so we will still have to do the seat fitting but I'm delighted.

"I know the GP2 Series and I know Ocean Racing Technology is a very good team. Even though I have not driven this car for a year or so I hope to be at the front of the field, especially in the second race weekend when GP2 races together with the season opening F1 race."

Monteiro added that he was delighted to bring Buurman back into the Ocean fold.

"I'm very happy to give Yelmer another opportunity to race in the GP2 Series because he truly deserves it," said Monteiro. "Yelmer was the first driver Ocean Racing Technology signed at the end of 2008 and it is a very special feeling to work together again.

"Yelmer is genuinely competitive, he is a clever man and a driver with whom all the team were pleased to work. Ocean took a step forward since our last partnership and I'm sure Yelmer will do a very good job and have what he needs to shine in Bahrain."

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