DAMS team to be replaced by Prema Power Team

Prema Power Team will replace Dams

From its position at the top of the waiting list of teams wishing to take part in the World Series Formula Renault 3.5, Italian outfit Prema Power Team will now replace Dams in the line-up for the 2006 series.

Initially selected as one of the fifteen teams making up the 2006 field, Dams has reached an agreement with Prema Power Team, who will thus become the second team, along with Comtec Racing, to make their debut in the championship.

Formed in 1983 by Angelo Rosin, Prema Power Team contributed to the emergence of great motorsport talents such as Dindo Capello, Fabrizio Giovanardi and Jacques Villeneuve. Closer to home, the Venice-based team won the F3 Euro Series in 2003 with Ryan Briscoe. Also involved in Formula Renault 2.0, Prema won the Italian championship in 2001 (Briscoe), 2003 (Perera) and 2005 (Kobayashi). Kamui Kobayashi was equally victorious in the 2005 Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 after a superb duel with Michael Ammermüller.

In Angelo Rosin's opinion, this is a new challenge for the team: "We have had this project in mind for several months. So we didn't hesitate when the opportunity came along to buy Dams' car and equipment. For Prema, this is a new challenge which will supplement our already well-established programmes in Formula Renault 2.0 and F3. The World Series by Renault is an important step for drivers who intend to pursue a career in motor racing. Furthermore, in joining Renault Sport for this series, we know we can expect efficiency and professionalism. We have already started work in order to be ready for the season's first official tests in Barcelona, at the end of March."

Jean-Paul Driot, President and Managing Director of Dams commented: "After having done extremely well with Jose Maria Lopez and Neel Jani in Eurocup Formula Renault V6, Dams was completely committed to the new World Series by Renault championship and fully intended to continue to take part in the series. But the creation of the A1 GP championship, which runs from September to March and in which we are involved with the French team, the current championship leader, as well as our participation in GP2 Series, represent a huge amount of work, which has forced us to take a difficult decision. We are sad to leave the World Series by Renault. A top-class line-up, circuits packed full of spectators and non-stop trackside attractions â^a" it all adds up to a very fine championship. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Renault Sport for their faith in us and I offer Team Prema Power Team my best wishes for a successful new season."

Jean-Paul Mari, Renault Sport Technologies' Motor Sport and Communications Director, is delighted to welcome this new team to the championship: "First of all, I would like to thank Jean-Paul Driot and the Dams team for the faith they have placed in us over the last few years. A great motorsport name leaves us, as another comes on board. After helping one of its drivers to win the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 title, Prema Power Team is now stepping up in class. Their recent record speaks for itself and I am sure that it will not be long before they become one of the top teams."

-renault-