DECEMBER 15, 2006

An interesting move

Adrian Campos is a very wealthy man. The maternal grandson of industrialist Luis Suner Sanchis, Campos and his brother sold the family's huge refrigerated food business back in 1991 and in the years that followed Campos, who had once used his money and connections to buy a drive in F1, turned his attention to promoting young Spanish talent by supporting the establishment of the Open Nissan championship to help Spanish youngsters make an impact on the international scene. In the first year of the series Campos Racing ran Marc Gene and with backing from Telefonica Gene then moved into F1 with Minardi. Campos needed a new youngster and hired Fernando Alonso. He won his second race and went on to take the title at his first attempt. Campos Racing has since grown to run teams in GP2 and in the Spanish Formula 3 Championship and a string of drivers have enjoyed success with the operation.

What is interesting is that Campos has entered GP2 next year with a change of name. Campos Racing has become Campos Grand Prix. If nothing else this is a statement of ambition and a hint that Campos would one day like to make the jump from GP2 into F1. That will take money but with Spain agog with enthusiasm for the sport and Adrain never short of cash when he needs a bit, that could one happen.