Full Throttle

Olympiacos fans will have a home-town hero aboard their car at the latest round of the Superleague Formula at Autodromo di Vallelunga this weekend with Greek racer Stamatis Katsimis making his debut.

In the opening four rounds of the championship, Katsimis participated as the rookie driver of Olympiacos. The promising performances in the rookie free practice sessions have now earned him the opportunity as the club’s main driver.

Katsimis past experience in Italy also played an important part in his selection. The Greek driver has raced at Vallelunga three times previously in Formula Renault, Formula 3 and at a six-hour endurance race.

“My goal is to make a good appearance in the championship and promote the image of Olympiacos, and of Greece as well. I know the Italian circuit pretty well from previous races and I hope we will have a very strong weekend.” Katsimis commented.

“I’m really excited and proud at the same time. Olympiacos is my favourite team and the most popular club in my country. I think our participation in Superleague Formula, could really help grow motorsport in Greece.”

Katsimis has completed more than 50 laps aboard the 750 horsepower, V12-powered Olympiacos machine in the rookie sessions that are staged on Saturday afternoon.

The selection of the 26-year-old Greek driver by Olympiacos Superleague Formula Racing Team managers GU Racing should further boost the popularity of the championship.

“In the first few races the Superleague Formula championship is really famous in Greece because the best football team participates in it,” Katsimis said.

“From my point of view, I feel that the fans would be more interested watching the races in which a Greek driver is participating with Olympiakos, because they would feel closer to the driver and team character and spirit.”

Katsimis takes over from Danish driver Kasper Andersen who has competed for the club in the opening four rounds of the Superleague Formula championship. Katsimis is eagerly awaiting the chance to make his debut at a circuit where he has competed previously – believing his past experience will help during his opening weekend

“In my career, I’ve been in Autodromo di Vallelunga 3 times in the past. I feel really confident, because I have good knowledge of the circuit, and it is something that can help me achieve good results. I hope to be as fast as possible and earn some strong points for my team,” Katsimis said.

Cross posted @ Asian Motor Sports