Lithuanian eyeing championship glory and Williams F1 test drive
Formula Two race winner Kazim Vasiliauskas has become the latest driver to be confirmed on the 2010 grid after announcing his return to the series today (12/03).
Vasiliauskas, 19, played a starring role in the 2009 season, scoring his maiden race victory in Imola after starting from pole and sealing seventh in the overall championship, despite it being his first full season in single seaters.
Kazim further belied his age and relative inexperience by taking podiums at Valencia, Donington Park and Oschersleben, and remarkably ended the season as one of only three drivers to have scored points in every round of the season, alongside 2009 Champion Andy Soucek and third-placed Mikhail Aleshin. He also outscored everyone but Soucek and Aleshin over the second half of the season, cementing his reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in world motorsport.
Vasiliauskas, who topped the timesheets in the recent F2 test at Portimão, made history last year by becoming the first Lithuanian ever to compete in international single seaters. He has also tested GP2 and GP3 during the off-season but chose to return to F2 for a second season.
Kazim Vasiliauskas said: "For sure this year I’m expecting to win the championship. Last year my form was very good, and I finished the second half of the year very strongly. Now I have more experience, and I know the F2 operation and most of the circuits on the calendar. I believe in myself completely, so winning is the only target.
"This year through testing I was able to compare GP2, GP3 and Formula Two, and for me F2 represents the best package: the car has been improved, everyone has the same machinery and the prize is very good. F2 is for sure the right option for me, and I would like to thank Darsena, my managers, for giving me this opportunity. Of course it also helps that I have already driven in the series, and now I look forward to the season ahead!"
Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, said: For someone of such little experience, Kazim made a big impact in his first year of F2, taking an astonishing podium in the opening event at Valencia. By competing in FPA and F2 in 2009 Kazim gained a lot of experience and used this, coupled with his outstanding natural talent, to be able to take his first well deserved win by Imola. I believe Kazim has all the attributes required to earn an F1 drive for 2011. He is always quick, makes few mistakes, is extremely competitive and crucially very intelligent. He is going to be a very strong challenger for the championship and should he win I have no doubt he will impress Williams F1 when he tests at the end of year. With the benefit of Darsenas management, I really believe he could be the first Lithuanian in F1 in 2011.
Drivers interested in competing in the 2010 FIA Formula Two Championship should contact the Championship Co-ordinator, James Gornall, at james.gornall@formulatwo.com or on 0044 1234 332439.