Former Indonesian Formula 3 champion Moreno Soeprapto is the latest racer to confirm his participation in the first-ever Speedcar Series.
The 25-year-old, known as 'Reno', made his racing debut at the age of 12 in national karting championships, and is now regarded as one of Indonesia's best drivers, having competed in various single-seater and touring car series.
Reno will drive the number 14 Speedcar chassis, and will be officially assigned to a team shortly.
His confirmation as the latest Speedcar driver comes just days after the championship announced its inaugural calendar, beginning at the Bahrain International Circuit on November 3, and ending at the Dubai Autodrome on April 12, 2008. Reno's supporters will be able to see him in action on February 17 next year, when Speedcar visits his 'home' circuit, the Sentul International Track, Indonesia.
Moreno said: "Competing in Speedcar is a very exciting opportunity for me. It's a challenging because there are many big names racing, and some of them are former F1 drivers. I look forward to competing alongside them, and increasing the reputation of my country in motorsport. I cannot wait to race in this championship."
Battistino Pregliasco, Team Manager of Speedcar Series, added: "With just over 43 days to go until the green flag drops on our first race, I am delighted that we can confirm Reno as the latest recruit to the Speedcar Series roster. His presence as a highly-talented, young Indonesian driver will help to reinforce our aim of making Speedcar Series the first internationally-recognised championship with its roots firmly planted in Asia and the Middle-East. We already have Ukyo Katayama, a very well known and respected ex-Formula One driver, plus more racers from the region set to be announced."
The Speedcar Series is a one-make stockcar-style championship featuring 24-identical 620bhp cars. The championship is based in Dubai, and will take place across Asia and the Middle East. The series will feature a mix of ex-Formula One and international drivers, with Jean Alesi, Johnny Herbert, Stefan Johansson, Narain Karthikeyan, Ukyo Katayama and Gianni Morbidelli already confirmed. A prize-fund of USD 3 million will be distributed to drivers at the end of the season, with the eventual champion receiving USD 600,000.
Speedcar Series and GP2 Asia Series will be based in Dubai, with the Grand Racing events run by Speedcar International.
Grand Racing Calendar 2007/2008*
1 03/11/2007 Bahrain International Circuit BHR Speedcar Series
2 17/11/2007 Dubai Autodrome UAE Speedcar Series
3 16/12/2007 tbc tbc Speedcar Series
4 26/01/2008 Dubai Autodrome UAE Speedcar Series + GP2 Asia
5 17/02/2008 Sentul International Track INA Speedcar Series + GP2 Asia
6 22/03/2008** Sepang International Circuit MAL Speedcar Series + GP2 Asia
7 05/04/2008** Bahrain International Circuit BHR Speedcar Series + GP2 Asia
8 12/04/2008 Dubai Autodrome UAE Speedcar Series + GP2 Asia
* Subject to FIA approval
** FIA Formula One World Championship event
www.speedcarseries.com
