Former Telefónica President joins Hispania Racing

Hispania has announced that Juan Villalonga, shop sale one of Spain’s most influential businessmen, has joined the team in a bid to secure the team’s future.

Villalonga was president of Telefonica between 1996 and 2000 and during this time, he brought the company into Formula 1 as a sponsor of the Minardi team.

Hispania have struggled to make their mark in Formula 1 this season and are more often than not the last of the three new teams.

However, there is hope for the future now that Villalonga has come aboard.

“For me the key is the quality and not the quantity of sponsors,” said Villalonga. “Formula One is always associated with innovation, research and technology, and Hispania Racing must be represented on that level, with a stable leadership.”

Hispania team owner Jose Ramon Carabante was optimistic about the partnership.

“We will substantially strengthen our ability to generate innovative activities in marketing and sponsorship with his co-operation,” said Carabante.

“We will also be able to make the best of his leadership, knowledge and relationships in the fields of technology and communications.”