20-year-old Swiss graduates from Formula Renault 2.0
Swiss driver Mauro Calamia will race in the FIA Formula Two Championship in 2012, after stepping up from Formula Renault 2.0.
The 20-year-old began karting at the age of 13 in his nation’s ICA Junior category before success saw him move into KF3 and KF2. In 2009, Calamia moved into single seater racing with the Formula Lista Junior championship, finishing 10th in his maiden season with one podium and one fastest lap. He then enjoyed a second year in the category before turning to the Formula Renault 2.0 Alps series in 2011 where he once again finished in the top 10.
Last year saw Calamia get his first taste of the 500bhp JPH1B F2 car during winter testing in Barcelona, where against a highly competitive field he produced a best session result of 12th and continued to improve during last months pre-season test.
Calamia said: Im really looking forward to driving in Formula Two this year. Its a great car to drive and Im enjoying the new tyres and brakes, but the increased power and speed make it a big step up for me to what Ive driven before. I aiming to be in the top 10 at the opening rounds at Silverstone but well just have to see how it goes.
Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Chief Executive, added: Im delighted to welcome Mauro into the 2012 F2 championship. He performed very solidly in winter testing where he made excellent progress and Im sure theres much more to come. The Williams F2 car is a big step up from anything hes driven before, but thanks to F2s unique data sharing feature hell have every opportunity to close on the pace of the more experienced drivers, and Im sure hell be surprising people as the season develops.
The opening rounds of the 2012 FIA Formula Two Championship take place on 13-15 April at Silverstone. For more information visit www.formulatwo.com