Russian Time signs Tom Dillmann for 2013 GP2 season
Tom Dillmann has secured a return to GP2 with new team Russian Time
The Frenchman had topped the first winter test with Hilmer, another new entrant, before getting the chance to run with the Russian squad at Barcelona this week.
Russian Time chief Igor Mazepa believes securing Dillmann gives a squad a shot at the title in its debut year.
"His talent and experience will be key to our objective of taking Russian Time to the top of the standings this season," said Mazepa.
"I believe Tom can be a title contender this season. He has what it takes to win from the start."
Russian Time was created when Mazepa acquired iSport's GP2 squad last month. The team is run by Motopark Academy boss Timo Rumpfkeil.
Dillmann was a race-winner during a part-season with Rapax last year. He is sure Russian Time's resources will allow it to be a frontrunner from the outset.
"They are new to the series, but they have put everything in place to make sure that we are competitive from the start," he said.
"I hope that my experience in GP2 will help them even more. I am convinced that we can challenge the other teams and drivers for wins very quickly."
2013 GP2 line-up so far: DAMS Marcus Ericsson Stephane Richelmi ART James Calado Daniel Abt Arden International Johnny Cecotto Jr Mitch Evans Racing Engineering Fabio Leimer Julian Leal Carlin Felipe Nasr Jolyon Palmer Russian Time Tom Dillmann TBA Caterham Racing Ma Qing Hua TBA Addax Team Rio Haryanto Jake Rosenzweig Rapax Stefano Coletti Simon Trummer Trident Racing TBA TBA Hilmer Motorsport TBA TBA Lazarus GP Rene Binder TBA MP Motorsport Daniel de Jong Adrian Quaife-Hobbs
Stefano Coletti sets pace as Barcelona GP2 test ends
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