Carbone Back with Alegra Motorsports for 2010
Miami, FL – Victor Carbone will become a second-year F2000 Championship Series driver as the young Brazilian recently signed with Alegra Motorsports for the 2010 season. The 2009 season saw Carbone and the Alegra squad move up the grid every weekend, logging a best finish of fourth during the final round of the year at Mid-Ohio. Carbone is an early favorite for the 2010 series title.
“The goal for me is to win the championship,” said Carbone who returns to his #23 Nevoni Van Diemen/Zetec, surrounded by a familiar cast of mechanics and engineers. “Last year was a tough year, but we made a ton of progress throughout the year, and I think we’ll be going into 2010 even more competitive.
“We also learned a lot last year, not only about the series and the drivers and the Van Diemen, but about one another on the team. We know what to expect from each other and how to communicate, which will be key to our success this year. Last year at VIR we had all just met, and this year we will have a year behind us of working together. The team knows what kind of car I like to drive, and I know what to tell them to give me that car.”
Alegra Motorsports F2000 Operating Manager Joe Stimola commented: “I’m expecting Victor to be a regular in the top five. I’m also looking really forward to the season. Victor has phenomenal potential, and I think we can be a real contender.”
Carbone is quick to point out the key to taking the title isn’t race wins, but consistency. “For me winning races is just an added benefit,” he added. Carbone recently moved from his home in Brazil to Miami. “I need to focus on being consistent and doing the best I can. If we do that and win, it’s just an added benefit of the hard work we’ve put in.”
Additionally, Carbone will be able to race on IndyCar weekend at Watkins Glen in 2010, having been forced to sit out in 2009 due to his age and tobacco legislation.
Carbone added: “Watkins Glen is the biggest race of the year. Last year was really frustrating having to sit out and watch every one else. This year I’m looking forward to the challenging track and seeing how I do there compared to the rest of the F2000 field.”
Carbone also pointed out that Mosport and Mid-Ohio are among his favorite tracks on the schedule, having seen strong top-five performances at them in 2009.
Alegra Motorsports plans to do late-winter testing in Florida prior to the season starting in VIR on April 9.