Indian driver becomes 14th entrant as grid takes shape
Parthiva Sureshwaren is the latest driver to secure his place on the Formula Two grid becoming the second Indian driver in the 2010 line-up.
Sureshwaren began his single seater career in 2001 when he competed in the British F3 National Class. He went on to contest selected races in the Barber Dodge Pro Series in the USA before taking an enforced sabbatical from the sport due to a lack of budget.
Born in Chennai, the Indian racer made his return to competitive motorsport in 2007 when he contested a part season in Formula Renault V6 Asia – scoring two podiums in his first eight races. His performances earned him a call up to race for A1 Team India in Eastern Creek, Australia, and a position as their permanent reserve driver. He raced again for the team in 2008 when he stood in for the injured Narain Karthikeyan in Durban, South Africa. Parthiva also has previous experience of the F2 car, having joined the official winter test in Valencia on the opening day.
Parthiva Sureshwaren said: "I’m really looking forward to the new F2 season, especially as I have already tested the car in Valencia and I know most of the circuits F2 will visit. The car has good downforce and good ground effect aerodynamics, so my first impressions of it were very positive. On top of that the championship is very cost effective for such a high level of motorsport, so it’s great to be joining. My aim is to regularly score points and by mid-season be in a position to score podiums, and I’m confident I can achieve that."
Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, said: "Parthiva is our second Indian driver in the 2010 championship, which really affirms F2’s strong international profile, particularly in a country where the popularity of motorsport is growing so quickly now with Karun Chandok graduating to F1. Parthiva has already experienced a similarly high level of motorsport when he competed in A1GP, so I’m sure he will be looking to make a strong start to the season. He certainly faces some tough competition though, and with several very quick young drivers close to finalising their budgets for next year it is looking clear that F2 will soon be full with 24 cars for its second season."