British driver joins F2 field this weekend in Austria
Top British racing talent Luciano Bacheta today (Tuesday) announced he is to switch to the FIA Formula Two Championship after sampling this years GP3 Series.
The highly experienced Brit, who was one of six finalists for the 2010 McLaren Autosport BRDC Award, will make his F2 debut during rounds 11 and 12 at Austrias newly revived Red Bull Ring on 26-28 August.
Bacheta brings with him a wealth of single-seater experience and race wins including finishing as runner-up in last years Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup with six podiums and one win to his name. This was preceded by further successful seasons in both the FRenault 2.0 series and the Formula Renault 2.0 WEC. In 2007 he competed in the Formula Palmer Audi championship, securing four race wins and nine podiums on his way to third overall.
As well as a proven career in karting, the 21-year-old has raced in the Ginetta GT Junior Championship and he enjoyed instant success before going on to compete in the BRSCC T-Cars Championship with the PalmerSport Junior Team, taking the championship in convincing style with six wins, three pole positions and 11 podiums.
This season he has been competing in the GP3 Series with the RSC Mücke Motorsport team, securing his maiden points finish in front of his home crowd at Silverstone after a superb drive from 24th on the grid to fifth.
Commenting ahead of his F2 debut Bacheta said: Im really looking forward to racing in F2 in Austria and although Ive never competed at the track before, neither have most of the F2 field so I think its a good place for me to make my debut. Having tested the car before I now feel comfortable with its power and acceleration, although it did come as a bit of a surprise when I first drove it! My goal is simply to do the best job I can and hopefully get in the top 10.
Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, added: Were delighted to be welcoming Luciano to Formula Two. Hes someone weve known and followed for many years and has impressed me since his early days in T-Cars. During his first F2 test in Valencia last year he looked very impressive and was amongst the quickest drivers from the day. He also sampled the JPH1B car during the assessment process for the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award, so I expect hell quickly rise to the big challenge of F2 and be amongst the front-runners from the very start.
The next rounds of the 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship take place from 26-28 August at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria. For more information on Luciano visit the F2 website or click on www.lucianobacheta.com.
For more information on the series click onto www.formulatwo.com