Russian Time announce signing of Sam Bird

Russian Time have announced today that Sam Bird will join their team for the 2013 GP2 Series campaign. The British driver whose GP2 career records one win, eight podium finishes, two pole positions and seven fastest laps, will partner Tom Dillmann at the new team.

Russian Time Team Principal Igor Mazepa commented: "I am pleased to announce Sam Bird as our second driver for Russian Time. I think his experience - which includes a Reserve Driver role at Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team, and a strong winning attitude is exactly what we need at Russian Time to complete our extremely competitive line-up. As a team, we would like to give Sam our full support and expertise to help bring him at the top of the standings. I am sure that with the addition of Sam to our team, we will reach our goal which is ambitious as we are aiming at the 2013 title!"

Sam Bird added: "I am delighted to be joining Russian Time for the 2013 GP2 season and grateful to everybody involved, in particular Igor Mazepa, for choosing me for this exceptional opportunity. I look forward to working closely with the team and to helping them achieve their ambition of fighting for the team championship title."