BMW Sports Trophy Team Brazil has announced that Átila Abreu will replace Ricardo Zonta in the #21 BMW Z4 for the penultimate round of the 2013 FIA GT Series at Navarra on 28/29 September. Zonta has a clashing commitment in his homeland.

26-year old Abreu is no stranger to racing Europe as he was a single seater contemporary of triple World Champion, Sebastien Vettel. Abreu, who comes from Sorocaba, close to Sao Paulo, won two rounds of the 2004 ADAC Formula BMW series and finished runner-up to Vettel. In 2005 he competed in the Formula 3 Euro Series. Since leaving Europe, Átila has been a regular front runner and race winner in the Brazilian Stock Car Championship and also competed in the national GT series.

Speaking to the FIA GT Series website, Abreu said: “I’m very happy with this invitation (to join BMW Sports Trophy Team Brazil). When the project began – in March – I’ve already talked to Hermann and Washington, but at the time it wasn’t possible to develop business. Now, the opportunity came, and I’m pretty excited. It’s great to return racing in Europe, especially in a 100% Brazilian team. The BMW Team Brazil has excellent drivers and fights for it first podium. I hope I can help and maybe come back from there with a trophy in the bag, it would be pretty cool.”

Abreu is also looking forward to working with another experienced Brazilian motorsport personality, team manager, Washington Bezerra.

“For the first time, I’ll work with Washington and I’m very glad for this,” he said. “He’s a guy with lots of experience and history in motorsport, and I admire and respect him. Besides, I’m excited to be Sergio’s partner too. We get along very well and he already has given me some tips. I believe that we’ll make a great double act”.

Abreu will get his first taste of the BMW Sports Trophy Team Brazil BMW Z4 at Navarra during the Friday test day which precedes the race weekend on 28-29 September.

Source : FIA GT Series