Rafa Benitez and the players of English soccer club Liverpool have given their backing to Adrian Valles, favourite to secure the Superleague Formula title this weekend. Superleague Formula is a fledgling motorsport series in which the teams are funded and backed by professional soccer clubs.

Valles travelled to Merseyside this week to see the players in action at Melwood Training Ground, before meeting with some of the club's Spanish contingent, including manager Rafa Benitez, star striker Fernando Torres and goalkeeper Pepe Reina, as well as club captain Steven Gerrard.

"It was great that Adrian could join us on Monday and see Anfield for himself," said Benitez. "I know the players were looking forward to meeting him as most have an interest in cars and have been following Liverpool's progress in Superleague Formula all season. On behalf of the entire club, I would like to pass on the best of luck to Adrian and the team."

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Valles added: "It was amazing to be with the players while they trained. Afterwards I spoke to a few of them who said they'd been following the championship with interest before wishing me luck. Then I went to Anfield, which I visited for a match last season, and although it was empty it's still a very impressive place, one of the best grounds I've been to.

"It’s really important for me and Liverpool fans that I win the championship this weekend. Our destiny is in my hands now but there's no pressure because if I just go there and drive a normal race the result will come."