British driver Luciano Bacheta has clinched the 2012 FIA Formula Two Championship at Italys famous Monza circuit today (Sunday, 30 September) to secure a prize test drive with the Williams Formula 1 Team.
The 22-year-old from Romford in Essex, who has led the international single seater series since the opening rounds, secured the title during a thrilling 16th and final round of the season.
As his prize for claiming the Formula Two crown, Comma Oil-backed Bacheta will earn a full test with the Williams F1 Team, as well as qualify for an FIA Super Licence, required to compete in Formula One Grands Prix.
Bacheta came into the season finale with a 33.5 point advantage over his nearest rival Mathéo Tuscher. After a fourth place in Saturdays first race, he needed just a handful of points from todays showdown which he duly delivered with a superb podium. The result makes him the second British driver to have won the revised F2 series after Dean Stoneman in 2010, amassing a total of five wins and 10 podiums, including a record-breaking four successive wins.
Speaking afterwards a jubilant Bacheta said: "It’s still sinking in! The first feeling was just relief and then happiness and then every emotion! I’m still kind of dazed by it all. In the race, as soon as I was past Mathéo [Tuscher] I felt in control from that point on and I just thought, ‚let’s have a good race‘! It felt really good and a great way to secure the title.
"Throughout the season we’ve always been up there and challenging for the win but certainly everyone else caught us up as the season went on. Of course there’s a few things I would have done differently but overall it’s been a very solid season and my rival Mathéo has been more like a team-mate as we get on so well."
He added: "We’ve got a few ideas for 2013 but I don’t want to say too much just yet. As for the Williams F1 test, this is just insane! I can’t believe it and probably won’t until I’m actually sat in the car. It’s just incredible and I have to say a big thank you to Comma and the rest of my sponsors, and everyone who has helped me this season."
Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, said: Luciano has done an absolutely superb job this season and is a very worthy Formula Two champion. Ive known him well since his early days of T-Cars back in 2006 and have followed his rising career ever since. From his double win at the opening rounds at Silverstone, he has shown outstanding talent and consistency in a very competitive field to dominate throughout. Im very confident he will impress at his Williams F1 test and that F2 has given him a unique opportunity to prove his ability and earn international acclaim to promote his career."
Sir Frank Williams, Founder and Team Principal at Williams F1, added: I’d like to pass on my personal congratulations to Luciano for winning the F2 title, a feat made all the more impressive by the way he achieved it with an unprecedented four consecutive wins at the start of the season. We look forward to putting him through his paces when he tests with us and I’m sure he will learn a great deal from the experience.
Mike Bewsey, Sales and Marketing Director at Comma Oil who sponsor Bacheta, said: Were thrilled to see Luciano win the championship for 2012 he has demonstrated Commas Passion for Performance perfectly! Right from the very start of the season, Luciano demonstrated world-class skill in combining driving technique and charisma. Were very proud to have supported him this year.
For more information of the Formula Two series visit www.formulatwo.com.