Archiv der Kategorie Formula 2
Paul Rees graduates to Formula Two
14.3.2010 von Wolfgang.
Formula Palmer Audi frontrunner steps up to international racing
British racer Paul Rees, son of ex-F1 driver Alan Rees, is the latest addition to the FIA Formula Two Championship line-up after his place on the 2010 grid was confirmed today.
Rees joins F2 after taking five podium positions in Formula Palmer Audi last season, which included a hat-trick of rostrums at Brands Hatch in August. 2009 followed a successful maiden campaign in the FPA series where the 23-year-old took pole position on his championship debut and ended the season as the third highest placed rookie. Rees has also raced in both Formula BMW and Formula Renault 2.0 in the UK.
Paul’s father Alan finished third in the 1966 Formula 2 Trophées de France, beating Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart and Graham Hill along the way. He then went on to finish fifth in the inaugural Formula 2 Europe championship in 1967, and he also competed in Formula One for Brabham.
Paul has already driven the Williams-designed F2 car during winter testing in Portimão, Portugal and the Oxford driver is now hoping to follow in the footsteps of his father by reaching the highest tier in motorsport.
Paul Rees said: “I am thrilled to be racing in Formula Two - this feels like the natural step on the motorsport ladder for me and I am 100% ready for it. I was really impressed with the F2 car during testing - there is a lot of power, good balance and a great gearbox. My father Alan Rees was a very successful Formula Two driver and it’s a good feeling to be the next generation racing under the same name. F2 is likely to be a two year programme for me - of course Formula One is my ultimate goal but I am fully focussed on succeeding in F2 first. I would like to thank my sponsors who have shown faith in me, Jonathan Palmer and my new management team at Darsena who have made this step possible.”
Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, said: "I’m delighted Paul is joining F2. He has completed two seasons of FPA, becoming increasingly competitive, and was leading at a final Snetterton race until suffering a slow puncture. Paul is certainly ready to move up now, and F2 will provide the best learning environment as it is the only series in which all drivers can learn from the fastest by seeing not just data but on board video from every session. I have known Paul’s father Alan since Arrows made me my first F1 offer for 1982 and it’s lovely to have such F1 luminaries as Alan and Debbie Rees as part of the F2 family."
www.formulatwo.com
Nicola De Marco aiming for title in second F2 season
14.3.2010 von Wolfgang.
“This year could be very good for me,” promises Brno polesitter
Italy’s Nicola De Marco has become the latest driver to commit to Formula Two for a second season, following yesterday’s announcement that Kazim Vasiliauskas will also return in 2010.
19-year-old De Marco enjoyed a highly promising maiden season in F2, recording his first pole position in tricky wet conditions in Brno before going on to clinch his first podium a day later, having led for much of the race. He also finished the year strongly with his best result of 2nd in the final race at Barcelona, finishing close behind 2009 champion Andy Soucek.
The Italian’s single seater career stretches back to 2006, when he won three races and finished third overall in his maiden season in Formula Azzurra. He stepped up to Formula 3 Italy in 2007, scoring podiums on a regular basis and clinching one pole, before a strong 2008 campaign saw him outclass his RP Motorsport team-mates and finish fourth in Spanish F3, with two race wins and four podiums to his credit.
Nicola De Marco said: “I’m really happy to be returning for a second season of Formula Two. This year could be very good for me – I know the car, I know the series, so it’s possible to put together a very good championship. I finished last year very strongly with my best result in the final race, and I also had some good results along the way, so for sure I’m only looking at winning the title. It will be difficult of course, but for me Formula Two is the best championship and gives me the best opportunity to progress, so it’s great to be coming back.”
Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, said; “Nicola, very sensibly, is another front running 2009 F2 driver to build on what he learnt last year to give himself the best chance of winning the most prestigious FIA single seater championship after F1. He finished the F2 season as the fastest Italian driver and is being entirely realistic to believe he can take the title in 2010. One of the youngest drivers in F2, Nicola had a tough time last year combining his university studies with racing but will be more relaxed and confident this season. Capable of blistering pace and great consistency, I have no doubt Nicola will be a regular podium visitor in 2010.”
www.formulatwo.com
F2 race winner Kazim Vasiliauskas returns for second season
13.3.2010 von Wolfgang.
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 Darsena’s 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.
www.formulatwo.com
Jolyon Palmer to make Formula Two return
11.3.2010 von Wolfgang.
19-year-old Briton aiming for maiden F2 victory in 2010
Jolyon Palmer has today (10/03) confirmed that he will return to the Formula Two line-up in 2010 for his second year in the F1 feeder series.
Jolyon, son of 1983 F2 champion and ex-F1 driver Jonathan Palmer, graduated to Formula Two last season after finishing third in the 2008 Formula Palmer Audi Championship. One of the youngest competitors in the 2009 F2 field, he made a promising start to the season when he recorded his first top ten finish in the second round at Brno in the Czech Republic.
Palmer, 19, went on to perform well at both Spa-Francorchamps and Brands Hatch, before scoring his first points of the season with a sixth place finish in the second race at Imola in September.
The Comma-backed Briton also joined F2 for all four days of winter testing, beating an exceptional field to set the fastest time of day two at Portimão, Portugal. After gaining valuable experience in his first year of international single seater racing, Palmer admits he will be looking to launch himself towards the front of the field in the forthcoming campaign.
Jolyon Palmer said: “Last season was a little disappointing for me until towards the end of the year when I scored my first points. I was also quick during winter testing and hopefully I can carry this momentum into my second F2 campaign. The testing in Portimão in December was particularly competitive and I went really well there, so this is hopefully a good sign that I can run at the front and get my first win in F2 this season. I am used to the one team environment having been in FPA previously and then in F2, and I really feel I can get the best out of it. I will start the season on a race by race basis to see where I stand compared to the other drivers, but I really feel that I have the potential to be a contender and if things go my way, maybe even win the title.”
Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, said: "As with a number of young drivers, F2 was always going to be a multi year programme for Jolyon. Last year was very challenging - I think many people underestimated just how tough the competition was - but Jo improved encouragingly over the final couple of events. He was right on the pace in winter testing and should be a regular points scorer in 2010 when he will be hoping to match the pace of the current field, plus some well respected, quick drivers who are about to finalise their F2 budgets and be announced next week.”
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.
www.formulatwo.com
F2 agrees partnership with McLaren Autosport BRDC Award
5.3.2010 von Wolfgang.
Formula Two to play central role in Award’s final assessment process
The FIA Formula Two Championship will play a pivotal part in the 22nd McLaren Autosport BRDC Award after today (04/03) announcing a partnership to supply six Williams JPH1B cars for the final driver assessment process.
The prestigious award – previously won by David Coulthard and reigning FIA Formula One World Champion Jenson Button - is set to undergo one of the biggest enhancements in its history thanks to the link-up with Formula Two. The move to supply six F2 cars will transform the driver assessment process as there will be enough machines to enable all of the finalists to be on the track at the same time – something that had proved impossible in the past.
Formula Two will now provide the cars and the engineering support for the award, whilst there are also plans in place for a frontrunner from the 2010 championship to provide a benchmark for the six MABA finalists. There is the potential to change the format to include qualifying runs, race simulations, pitstops and technical feedback appraisals.
The McLaren Autosport BRDC Award is the world’s premier young driver award, aimed at rewarding the best young racing drivers from the UK, where a final shortlist of six drivers are evaluated both in and out of a number of racing cars. An experienced panel of judges decide on a winner who is then awarded a £50,000 cash prize and a test in a McLaren Formula One car.
Formula 3 had previously been used for the single seater element, but a lack of cars often meant that drivers were assessed at different times and in differing weather conditions, whilst a number of drivers also gained an advantage by testing an F3 car prior to the shootout.
Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, said: “The single seater is the most important part of the evaluation, but it’s frustrating to have to run drivers in batches because of the resources that have previously been available.
“Even if we tested in Spain the track conditions would vary with temperature. Comparing drivers in different weather conditions and at different times complicates the whole process. Using six F2 cars will allow the judges to compare drivers in the same cars at the same time.
“This gives us a real opportunity to get creative with the appraisal. We can do more running and give the judges a huge amount more data with which to evaluate the drivers.”
Long-serving MABA judge and veteran commentator Ian Titchmarsh said: “Just like F2 itself as a racing category, the introduction of F2 cars into the Award test days will provide a much more level playing field, while at the same time offering the opportunity to test the finalists in ways which have simply not been possible previously.”
www.formulatwo.com
Benjamin Lariche secures place on the F2 grid
5.3.2010 von Wolfgang.
Drivers from seven countries and three continents confirmed so far
The 2010 FIA Formula Two Championship grid continues to take shape with Frenchman Benjamin Lariche today (3/3) confirmed as the latest driver to have secured his place in the line-up – joining a list of drivers from seven countries and three continents to have signed up so far.
Lariche’s single seater career dates back to 2006 when he contested the Formula Renault Campus France series, scoring podiums in his maiden season. The 22-year-old then stepped up to French Formula Renault in 2007. The following season Lariche moved into Formula Renault 2.0 WEC, where he scored his first single seater victory with a win at Valencia – beating a host of talented rivals including Red Bull’s F1 reserve driver Daniel Ricciardo. The same year Lariche also contested one race in the Formula Junior FR 2.0 Portugal series, which he also won. Lariche remained in the Formula Renault 2.0 WEC series for 2009 and also contested six races in Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup.
Lariche joined all four days of F2 winter testing at the end of 2009. He ran well throughout, posting the fifth fastest time on the opening day in Valencia.
Benjamin Lariche said: “I am very excited and impatient to begin a new season in Formula Two - I haven’t raced since December and it has been too long! Last year in Formula Renault 2.0 I was the only driver in my team, so I didn’t have any data to compare with. This year in Formula Two it will be good to have the data and videos of the fastest driver and I hope to improve my driving with these interesting tools. It is also going to be really exciting driving this powerful and competitive car, particularly with the new upgrades. I feel confident after the F2 winter tests - my main target is to just keep improving as a driver and I hope to finish in the points as often as possible, and why not score some podiums!”
Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, said: “France has a history of producing great drivers, and last year we had race-winner Julien Jousse in Formula Two. Benjamin has already competed against another talented Frenchman, Ferrari’s Jules Bianchi, in 2007 and I have no doubt he will be eager to emulate Jousse’s performances from last year and be the leading French F2 driver in 2010. He had a great approach and got on well with everyone in the team during the winter F2 tests, and I look forward to seeing him build upon on that testing experience to become a frontrunner in the 2010 Formula Two season.”
Interested drivers should contact the Championship Co-ordinator, James Gornall, at james.gornall@formulatwo.com or on 0044 1234 332439.
www.formulatwo.com
Ricardo Teixeira switches from GP2 to Formula Two
5.3.2010 von Wolfgang.
Angolan becomes first African driver to compete in F2
Angolan racer Ricardo Teixeira will compete in the 2010 FIA Formula Two Championship after making the switch from GP2 today (02/03).
Teixeira will be one of the most experienced drivers in the F2 field this year, having spent two seasons in the British F3 International class in 2007 and 2008, whilst also contesting the Zandvoort Masters and RTL GP Masters of F3. In 2008 he made the switch to the GP2 Asia Series with Trident Racing, before staying with the team for an assault on the main GP2 series in 2009.
Ricardo has already experienced the Williams JPH1 F2 car, having joined all four days of official winter testing last December. He showed promising pace from the outset, finishing inside the top eight in Valencia.
Ricardo Teixeira said: “After having participated in British F3 and GP2, I am now really looking forward to competing in the F2 championship. I hope to make best use of my experience and to benefit from the principle of equality that pervades F2 in showing my potential this year. This may be my first year in F2 but I expect to improve quickly in the first races.”
Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, said: "I’m delighted to welcome Ricardo Teixeira, our first African driver, to Formula Two. The equality of F2 provides the perfect environment for Ricardo to prove his talent and I’m sure he’ll make the most of the opportunity and be pushing for points this season. Coming from GP2, Ricardo will really appreciate the recent performance upgrades Williams and MSV have made to the JPH1B F2 car.”
www.formulatwo.com
Russian Sergey Afanasiev confirmed in Formula Two line-up
2.3.2010 von Wolfgang.
International Formula Master runner-up eyes F2 title attack in 2010
Sergey Afanasiev has today (01/03) become the second Russian driver to join the 2010 FIA Formula Two Championship.
Afanasiev, part of the Lukoil Driver Support Programme, joins the series after an impressive 2009 campaign which saw him finish as runner-up in the International Formula Master series. He scored one race victory and nine podiums from the 16 races, including top three finishes at Brno, Brands Hatch and Oschersleben – all circuits F2 will visit in 2010. The 21-year-old also competed in IFM in 2008, recording one victory, two podiums and one pole.
Despite his young age the Russian’s single seater career dates back to 2004 when he won the Formula Russia championship in his maiden season. He went on to become a multiple race winner in Formula Renault 2.0 and also competed in the F3 EuroSeries and Formula Renault 3.5.
Afanasiev follows Ivan Samarin as the second Russian to join F2 for 2010, and Sergey will be hoping to repeat the 2009 success of fellow countryman Mikhail Aleshin, who finished third in last year’s FIA Formula Two Championship.
He said: "It is very difficult to find the right category each year and success in other series depends not only on a driver but also the right car, the right people and engineers. I’m pleased that the F2 car has been advanced for 2010 and I’m sure it will be really fast. I’m excited about the overboost button, which I cannot wait to try during a race weekend. My target is to first understand a new car and also to learn some fantastic circuits that I have never been to before. There will be many good drivers in the championship but I expect to be fighting for podiums.”
Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, said: “I’m very pleased Sergey has joined F2 and it will be the perfect championship for him to prove his talent. There is clearly a great deal of Russian talent emerging and Sergey’s championship second place in Formula Master last year proves he is amongst the best, which is why he has been selected by Lukoil, who were also involved in F2 last season, for their young driver support programme. Sergey has had the benefit of seeing how F2 works last year when Formula Master supported the WTCC/F2 events, so it is a natural graduation and I expect him to be challenging for podiums.”
www.formulatwo.com
Jack Clarke makes Formula Two return
26.2.2010 von Wolfgang.
Briton aiming for championship title in second F2 campaign
21-year-old Jack Clarke, the stepson of former F1 racer Julian Bailey, is the latest addition to the 2010 FIA Formula Two Championship grid, after signing up to contest his second season in the series.
Clarke’s return to Formula Two follows a promising maiden campaign in 2009, where the Briton scored points finishes at Spa-Francorchamps and Oschersleben.
Prior to Clarke’s graduation to international motorsport, the Surrey racer was a consistent frontrunner in the UK Formula Palmer Audi Championship. He took a total of six wins and 19 podium positions in his two years of competition, and finished fourth in the overall standings in 2007. His single seater career began in 2006 when he competed in the Formula BMW UK series and the ultra competitive Formula BMW World Final, in Valencia, Spain.
Jack Clarke said: “I am delighted to be returning to Formula Two and I’m looking forward to taking advantage of the experience I gained in the first season. I have a lot of mileage and knowledge of the car and operation, and I feel this will certainly help. I am aiming for podiums and wins – last season I had less experience than the majority of drivers but now I expect to hit the ground running as I look to carry good momentum into my second campaign. It is a big boost to see Andy Soucek get a Formula One deal and I wouldn’t mind being where he is this time next year. It is a credit to him and the championship, and hopefully I will be that person to take the title and the F1 test in 2010.”
Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, said: "I am delighted that Jack Clarke will be continuing in F2 during 2010. As with all the FPA graduates, F2 was a big jump last year but Jack put in some determined race performances and will undoubtedly be a lot more experienced, confident and competitive this season. Jack should be aiming for top six places and even podiums and he has the talent to achieve it."
Interested drivers should contact the Championship Co-ordinator, James Gornall, at james.gornall@formulatwo.com or on 0044 1234 332439.
www.formulatwo.com
Ivan Samarin graduates to Formula Two
25.2.2010 von Wolfgang.
Russian racer steps up to international motorsport for 2010
21-year-old Ivan Samarin will contest his maiden season in international single seater racing after signing up to join the 2010 FIA Formula Two Championship.
Samarin graduates to F2 after finishing as runner-up in Formula 3 Russia in 2008, which followed two championship-winning seasons in Formula 1600 Russia in 2006 and 2007 respectively. Ivan boasts a record of nine wins and 17 podiums in his 40 single seater races to date.
The Russian driver also enjoyed an encouraging debut run in Formula Two when he took part in the two day winter test at Portimao, Portugal in December. He set an impressive pace to end the opening day in the top six overall, and eventually finished the test just eight tenths of a second behind pacesetter Kazim Vasiliauskas.
Samarin is the second Russian driver to have competed in the revived FIA Formula Two Championship after Mikhail Aleshin finished third in last year’s campaign.
Ivan Samarin said: “I am really excited to be joining Formula Two for the 2010 season. The concept of the championship really appeals to me – of course the costs are key but more importantly it is great that every driver has the same car and opportunity. The car is fun to drive and it is definitely the logical step up from Formula 3. It will be tough but I am aiming for the top three – it is down to me and I hope to be challenging for podiums by mid-season.”
Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, said: "Russia is producing some excellent drivers now. Mikhail Aleshin was terrific in Formula Two last year and Sergey Afanasiev did a great job in finishing as runner-up in International Formula Master. Ivan rightly has ambitions to be in F1 and we’re delighted to have him in the championship as a step towards this goal. F2 is the perfect place for Ivan to learn and develop his skills, against drivers in equal equipment. Being able to compare his performance with the fastest driver, every session, through the shared data concept and onboard camera aids uniquely available in Formula Two will help Ivan prove his undoubted talent and provide the opportunity for him to be at the front of the field."
Interested drivers should contact the Championship Co-ordinator, James Gornall, at james.gornall@formulatwo.com or on 0044 1234 332439.
www.formulatwo.com
Benjamin Bailly joins Formula Two for 2010
23.2.2010 von Wolfgang.
Belgian graduates after claiming Formul’Academy Euro Series title
Reigning Formul’Academy Euro Series Champion Benjamin Bailly has become the latest driver to enter the FIA Formula Two Championship for 2010.
Since making his karting debut in 2004, 19-year-old Bailly has cut a rapid ascent through the motorsport ranks. He finished third in the French Elite Championship in 2006, and claimed fifth overall in the premier Formula A World Karting Championship the following year.
Bailly enjoyed his most successful season to date in 2009, where a superb campaign saw him claim the overall Formul’Academy Euro Series championship with six wins, five podiums and three pole positions from the 14 races. He took victory in the second race in his debut weekend at Valencia and his run to the title also included a win in Oschersleben and a double victory at Monza – all circuits that F2 will visit in 2010.
The Belgian driver’s progression to F2 has been assisted by the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium National Team, which helps promote and develop young Belgian racing talent. The RACB National Team also includes Jerome D’Ambrosio, 2010 test driver for the Renault F1 team, as well as Formula Renault 3.5 Champion Bertrand Baguette and German F3 Champion Laurens Vanthoor.
Benjamin Bailly said: “Formula Two is a great championship and I’m delighted to be joining it for 2010. I like the concept of the series, and the fact that all the cars are equal means the driver makes all the difference – in other categories, if you’re not with a good team you can’t get the results. Andy Soucek also proved what a good learning step F2 is when he set the fastest time in his Formula One test in Jerez. I’m sure it will be a really competitive season, especially with the upgrades made to the car, but I proved I could be fast when I tested in F2 at Portimão, and I’m certainly targeting podiums and even race wins this year – a good season would be my way of thanking the team RACB officials!”
Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, said: "I’m delighted Benjamin is joining us in Formula Two as our first Belgian driver. I have seen the Formul’Academy Euro Series and it is clearly very competitive and based, like F2, on providing drivers will identical equipment. Benjamin’s successes in Formul’Academy were due to his superior driving ability, not budget and team superiority, and I’m sure this experience will serve him well in F2. Benjamin’s talent was obvious in the winter F2 tests when he was always towards the top of the time sheets whilst he also had a great approach to his racing, being intelligent, personable and hard working. He has some very professional advisors and the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium is to be commended on providing vital financial support to one of their country’s most promising drivers in his quest to reach F1”.
Interested drivers should contact the Championship Co-ordinator, James Gornall, at james.gornall@formulatwo.com or on 0044 1234 332439.
www.formulatwo.com
Exclusive Q&A with Andy Soucek
23.2.2010 von Wolfgang.
Reigning F2 champion talks about his graduation to Formula One
The official Formula Two website spoke to 2009 FIA Formula Two Champion Andy Soucek today (23 February) following confirmation that the Spaniard has signed with the Virgin F1 team as their official reserve driver for the 2010 season. Andy is currently testing the Williams JPH1B F2 car in Barcelona and the 24-year-old took time out to talk about his F1 future and Formula Two…
Tell us how you feel having achieved a lifelong ambition to reach Formula One.
“It feels great. I couldn’t quite believe it even as I was signing the contract. To have joined a Formula One team and knowing that I could be competing in Grands Prix if I am required is a fantastic feeling. It will be a difficult job, but I know that I will learn a lot in preparation for racing in F1. One of the key aspects that excited me about this project is that I will be heavily involved with the team from the outset. I will get to use the simulator, I will be at every test and Grand Prix, and I will be in every meeting between the drivers and engineers, so I will be a real member of the team.”
How important a role did your championship winning season in F2 play in helping you reach F1?
“Winning the FIA Formula Two Championship and the prize of a test drive in Formula One really helped to raise my profile. I had some good results when I was in GP2, but it was only once I started winning in F2 that things really started to develop. Everyone knows that in F2 it is the driver that makes the difference and I feel that my performance last year showed people I was good enough for F1. Of course, the prize was a massive boost as I got to show my abilities in an F1 car in Jerez. This experience went very well, but it would not have been possible if I hadn’t succeeded in Formula Two.”
What would you say to any talented young drivers who are considering joining F2 and what do you feel are the main benefits of competing in the championship?
”I would recommend Formula Two to any young driver, and particularly those who do not have the big budgets required to compete in GP2. F2 is a great step towards Formula One and it is a great place to learn. People say that it is difficult when you do not work with a team but it means the driver in Formula Two is responsible for every single detail. Of course working with teams during your career is important, but in F2 you have to work extremely hard to achieve the most out of the experience and that is what I think makes Formula Two so special.”
You have been heavily involved in the testing and development of the newly upgraded Williams JPH1B. How has this been going and do you expect to continue in the role?
“Well I am actually testing the car in Barcelona again today, but this could be my last one before the new season. If I am asked to test the F2 car again in the future then I will always want to do it. I have enjoyed being part of the programme and as a driver it is always good to keep clocking up the miles! I did a lot of laps yesterday as we are here with Avon testing various new tyre compounds for 2010. Things have been going well over the winter and the improvement in the car has been very impressive. The team is doing a great job and we are still learning all the time.
“In general, I will keep a close eye on the F2 championship this season and will try to attend any races that I can. If there is not a clash with my schedule then it would be great to be at the final round in Valencia to see the new F2 champion crowned.”
Moving back to your future in Formula One – when do you expect to drive the Virgin Racing VR-01 car for the first time?
”I am not 100% sure yet but it will be very soon. I will be with the team in Barcelona later this week and I cannot wait to get my first experience in the car. Having previously tested with Toyota and more recently with Williams it will be fantastic to drive another Formula One car. I am excited to see and feel how the car behaves and then hopefully I will be able to assist the team in developing the car further. Coming into a team that is new on the grid is very exciting as you really feel that you can make a difference.”
www.formulatwo.com
Kelvin Snoeks signs up for Formula Two in 2010
21.2.2010 von Wolfgang.
Dutchman targets consistent points finishes
22-year-old Kelvin Snoeks is the latest name to be confirmed in the 2010 FIA Formula Two Championship line-up.
Snoeks joins F2 after competing in last season’s International Formula Master series, where he finished sixth in the Rookie Cup standings. He spent the previous two seasons in Formula Renault 2.0 NEC, competing against 2009 Formula Two race winner Tobias Hegewald and Williams F1 test driver Valtteri Bottas.
The Dutchman has already experienced Formula Two machinery, having taken part in winter testing in Portimão at the end of the 2009 season, and becomes the second driver to be announced in 2010. Fourteen others have already joined F2’s second season, leaving just nine seats available to complete the 24 car maximum grid.
Snoeks is well aware of his country’s illustrious motorsport past, and the Zwaanshoek-based racer is hoping to follow in the footsteps of fellow countrymen Jan Lammers and Jos Verstappen.
Kelvin Snoeks said: “The concept of Formula Two is fantastic, particularly compared with some of the other series I have raced in. I like that all of the data is available to every driver and that everything is fair and equal. The car is really fast and nice to drive - the recent improvements to the car have obviously made it even quicker, which is also great. I believe I can learn a lot this season and the pre-season tests will be really important. From there I hope to have a real understanding of where I stand compared to the other drivers – podiums may be difficult to achieve but I will be looking to consistently challenge for points.”
Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, said: "I’m really pleased to welcome Kelvin Snoeks, our first Dutch driver, to Formula Two. The equality of F2 enables drivers like Kelvin, who has never been able to race with a top team so far in his career, to really show what he’s capable of and I’m sure he’ll make the most of his opportunity.”
Interested drivers should contact the Championship Co-ordinator, James Gornall, at james.gornall@formulatwo.com or on 0044 1234 332439.
www.formulatwo.com
Armaan Ebrahim returns to Formula Two
19.2.2010 von Wolfgang.
Indian driver targeting championship glory in second season
20-year-old Indian driver Armaan Ebrahim has today (18/02) been unveiled as the first of 15 drivers to have signed up so far for the 2010 FIA Formula Two Championship. Further drivers will be revealed daily over the coming weeks.
Ebrahim returns to Formula Two after a promising 2009 campaign which saw him score several points paying finishes, including a standout weekend in Brno where he improved an incredible total of 24 places in the two races to claim sixth place in each. He also scored points in the first race at Donington Park, and recorded a number of top ten finishes during the season.
Such form confirmed Armaan’s growing reputation as one of India’s best young racing prospects - a standing first earned when he made history at the age of 16 by becoming the youngest ever driver to represent his nation in the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport. He has previously won races in Formula BMW Asia and Formula V6 Asia, where he finished as runner-up in 2007. He has also competed in the GP2 Asia series.
Armaan Ebrahim said: “I am really excited to be returning to Formula Two and I just cannot wait to get back into the car. Last year went quite well and we really started to get things together as the year went on. This season it is vital that I am on the pace from the word go – I feel much more comfortable and confident about my chances this year and my goal is to win the championship. Of course, it is difficult to make predictions but the title is possible – I just need to be more consistent and keep scoring points.”
Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, said: “I’m delighted Armaan is back in F2 this year. He had some strong performances last season particularly at the Barcelona final event and I am quite sure he will build on his experience to be regularly in the top 6 and have a few podiums in 2010, maybe even a win.”
Interested drivers should contact the Championship Co-ordinator, James Gornall, at james.gornall@formulatwo.com or on 0044 1234 332439.
www.formulatwo.com
Fifteen drivers already confirmed for the 2010 FIA Formula Two Championship
17.2.2010 von Wolfgang.
Just nine places remain to complete the 24 car maximum grid
Following a very successful maiden season, interest in F2 has been high with over 40 drivers hoping to join the 2010 FIA Formula Two Championship. Fifteen drivers have now been confirmed and they will be announced daily over the next two weeks.
Drivers will once again be competing for the superb prize of a full test with the Williams F1 team, whilst the championship top three will become eligible for an FIA Superlicence – required to compete in Formula One Grands Prix.
The F2 field can also look forward to piloting a significantly advanced Williams JPH1B F2 car, after substantial upgrades were implemented by both MotorSport Vision and Williams F1 over the winter period. The car has already proved it will be around three seconds per lap faster than its 2009 predecessor, now offering similar performance to Formula Renault 3.5 for half the budget.
Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, said: “F2 had a great start in 2009, with a full grid of cars and some exceptional driver talent. The difficult economic climate is certainly continuing, and it has been clear to every championship that many drivers have struggled to raise the budgets more this year than previously. However the fact that F2 is far more affordable than any other comparable championship and is now similar in performance to Formula Renault 3.5, is making F2 a compelling choice for many drivers. F2 will also benefit from a season’s maturity and a lot of hard work over the winter in the pursuit of our objective of 100% reliability in 2010 as the inevitable teething problems of a new series are ironed out.
“Fifteen drivers are now confirmed for the 2010 FIA Formula Two Championship, leaving just nine slots available. Over the next few weeks we will certainly see more drivers secure their F2 budgets, whilst we are also seeing a surge of interest from drivers who had looked at other series but are realising that they will not achieve the budget required to run with a team capable of winning. In F2 of course, uniquely every driver has that opportunity, with every car being identically prepared.”
www.formulatwo.com
