George Tanev signs with Proteam

George Tanev will drive a Proteam BMW 320si in the World Touring Car Championship 2009. Although the news, reported by the Italian website stopandgo.tv, does not exclude the ongoing talks with Félix Porteiro. According to sources within the Proteam entourage, the Italian-based outfit is still negotiating with Porteiro.

Tanev drove a BMW 320si in the Bulgarian Touring Car Championship where he secured the title after five race wins. Other than that he has taken part in three WTCC rounds with Petrol GT, before moving on to Proteam for the final event of the season at Macau, where he took a second place in the Independents’ trophy.

Porteiro has been in talks with Campos Racing and has not given up on the deal with the former Formula One driver’s outfit, but Porteiro would most likely prefer to keep on driving a BMW, and Proteam seem to be the best option for him at the moment.

Proteam has not denied the talks, but has clearly stated that nothing has been signed yet and that it might take a few days, possibly weeks, before a decision is taken. Proteam are keeping their options open as well, and are still in touch with a few drivers to fill the second seat of Presenzini’s team.

Nevertheless, the main option for the team is to let Porteiro drive one of their 320s, as the team is according to our sources feeling that with the Spaniard would be the best choice to try to retain the Drivers’ crown in the Indipendents’ Trophy, as well as acting as a mentor to young George Tanev.