Teen racer joins rookie shortlist alongside F1 stars

FIA Formula Two Championship runner-up Mathéo Tuscher has been nominated as Rookie of the Year for the prestigious Autosport Awards. His name appears alongside Formula 1 drivers Romain Grosjean, Charles Pic, Daniel Ricciardo and Jean-Eric Vergne, as well as drivers from Indycar, GP2, Formula Renault 3.5 and Formula 3.

The Swiss driver, who will turn 16 ten days after the awards dinner on 2 December, was just nine years old when he won his first karting championship and completed his second season of racing in cars this year, after winning the Formula Pilota China series in 2011.

Graduating to F2 in 2012, Tuscher stunned the paddock by qualifying on pole position for the opening race at Silverstone, thereby topping his first competitive session in the championship. His maiden podium finish came at round two in Portimao, Portugal with a second place, which he repeated the following day after starting from pole.

Tuscher won his first F2 race at Paul Ricard in July and followed this up with another victory at the final round in Monza, taking the title fight down to the wire. He finished runner-up in the championship, 21.5 points shy of Luciano Bacheta.

Visitors to Autosport’s website are invited to vote for the winner, who will join a list that has included World Champions Sebastian Vettel, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton, and last year’s winner Paul di Resta.

You can vote for Tuscher here: https://www.secure.autosport.com/rookie/

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This year’s FIA Formula Two Champion Luciano Bacheta experienced his first taste of Formula One today (Thursday) when he drove for Williams at Silverstone, part of his prize for winning the 2012 title.

The 22-year-old Briton, who secured his championship victory last month at Monza, got behind the wheel of the team’s 2011 FW33 machine on the 2.98km International configuration at the famous Northamptonshire circuit – home of the British Grand Prix.

Bacheta took part in five separate sessions during the course of the day. His first two runs took place on a damp but drying track but conditions improved for the afternoon when he was able to switch to slick tyres and start to push the car to its limits.

Speaking afterwards Bacheta said: “Today’s gone very well for me. I’ve had a good mix of wet and dry running which has been a perfect way to learn how the car works and adapts. Just to be around a team like Williams is a special experience and I’ve gained so much from the day.

“I’m still taking it all in and I am sure that it won’t be until I go away and reflect that I’ll realise quite how brilliant it was. The car is just a pleasure to drive, better than anything I’ve driven before, so I’d love to have some more experience of Formula One in the future."

Sir Frank Williams, Founder and Team Principal at Williams F1, added: “I’d like to pass on my 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. No doubt he learnt a lot from today’s experience and it will stand him in good stead for his future career which looks very promising indeed.”

Luciano’s championship win also means he becomes eligible for an FIA Super Licence, required to compete in Formula One Grands Prix.

To view the gallery of Luciano Bacheta’s Williams F1 drive or for more information visit www.formulatwo.com. A video of the day will also be available on F2TV early next week.

British driver Luciano Bacheta has clinched the 2012 FIA Formula Two Championship at Italy’s 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 Saturday’s first race, he needed just a handful of points from today’s 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. I’ve 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. I’m 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: “We’re thrilled to see Luciano win the championship for 2012 – he has demonstrated Comma’s Passion for Performance perfectly! Right from the very start of the season, Luciano demonstrated world-class skill in combining driving technique and charisma. We’re very proud to have supported him this year.”

For more information of the Formula Two series visit www.formulatwo.com.

Christopher Zanella powered to victory during today’s (Sunday) sun-soaked final Formula Two race at Monza, leading home Kevin Mirocha while Luciano Bacheta finished third to wrap up the championship title and secure the Williams F1 test.

In one of the closest finishes in the championship’s history, Bacheta and Tuscher went head-to-head in the 16th and final race of the thrilling 2012 F2 season, with Tuscher needing to win to have any chance of clinching victory.

As the lights went out, it was Zanella who got the jump on pole-sitter Pommer to lead into the first chicane with Mirocha tucked up in third and Alex Fontana lying fourth. Bacheta, starting from P7, had made a great start to gain a place and, more importantly, lie ahead of his championship rival.

A lap later Mirocha was able to get the run on Pommer into the first chicane for second with Bacheta also dispatching Fontana. Just behind, Mihai Marinescu was on a charge lying sixth after starting P10 and hot on the heels of Alex.

Tuscher was also coming through the field with a brave move around the outside of Harald Schlegelmilch at the chicane before taking Fontana shortly after, while ahead disaster struck for Pommer with a puncture promoting Bacheta into third.

By the halfway stage Zanella was looking comfortable out in front while 22-year-old Bacheta was starting to close in on Mirocha. The two were nose-to-tail through Curva Grande with the Brit just unable to find a way past allowing Zanella to extend his lead to over three seconds.

In the end, no one could stop Zanella with the Swiss celebrating the win with some impromptu doughnuts with Mirocha taking second. Bacheta had to work hard to hold onto his podium finish with some strong challenges from Marinescu in the final corners with Tuscher completing the top five. Fontana finished ahead of Dino Zamparelli, Axcil Jefferies and newcomer Harald Schlegelmilch with Daniel McKenzie rounding out the top 10.

Bacheta, backed by Comma Oil, now becomes the second Briton to win the title after Dean Stoneman in 2010, finishing 21.5 points ahead of Tuscher in the drivers‘ standings with Christopher Zanella, who was runner-up last year, in third. All three become eligible for an FIA Super Licence, needed to compete in Grands Prix, with Bacheta enjoying a full test with the Williams F1 team and Tuscher and Zanella receiving GP2 tests. As the highest placed rookie, Mathéo also receives two days of F2 winter testing.

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 Matheo 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 d have done differently but overall it’s been a very solid season and my rival Matheo 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."

F2 Results: Monza – Race 2:

1. Christopher Zanella, 21 laps
2. Kevin Mirocha, +4.780s
3. Luciano Bacheta, +6.366s
4. Mihai Marinescu, +6.957s
5. Mathéo Tuscher, +7.030s
6. Alex Fontana, +12.867s
7. Dino Zamparelli, +16.007s
8. Axcil Jefferies, +18.338s
9. Harald Schlegelmilch, +21.106s
10. Daniel McKenzie, +24.803s
11. David Zhu, +28.260s
12. Max Snegirev, +29.732s
13. Plamen Kralev, +39.624s
14. Markus Pommer, +1lap
15. Hector Hurst, DNF

F2 Driver Standings: Final:
1. Luciano Bacheta, 231.5pts
2. Matheo Tuscher, 210pts
3. Christopher Zanella, 196pts
4. Markus Pommer, 169pts
5. Mihai Marinescu, 161pts
6. Kevin Mirocha, 159.5pts
7. Alex Fontana, 115pts
8. Dino Zamparelli, 106.5pts
9. Daniel McKenzie, 95pts
10. Hector Hurst, 27pts

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Swiss keeps title hopes alive for tomorrow’s final showdown

Mathéo Tuscher claimed a superb second Formula Two win during today’s (Saturday) thrilling wet race at Monza with the Swiss teenager leading home Christopher Zanella and Kevin Mirocha to keep his championship hopes alive for another day.

In damp and slippery conditions, it was Luciano Bacheta who got the better start from pole man Tuscher to lead the field into the tight, first chicane amidst a cloud of spray. As the pack bunched up it was Tuscher who come off worst, cutting the chicane to slot back in P3, whilst the chasing Mirocha grabbed his opportunity to take the lead from Bacheta at Turn 3 with Mathéo now under pressure from Zanella.

The top four then soon broke away from the main pack before beginning a brilliant battle which saw every single driver having their turn at the front, leading to some incredible and brave overtakes.

With tyres beginning to fade, Zanella, Mirocha and Bacheta all had moments at the second chicane seeing them run wide as the halfway mark approached. Tuscher then made a gutsy move to go three-abreast with Zanella and Mirocha through the Parabolica, pulling it off to emerge in front and begin to pull away.

The race was far from over though with Zanella now beginning to find extra grip to close in on the 15-year-old with Mirocha also battling hard with fourth-place Bacheta. Tuscher hung on though to take the chequered flag closely followed by Zanella to take a Swiss one-two in easily the best race of the season so far. The result means Tuscher can still secure the championship honours but only if he takes victory tomorrow and Bacheta, who still has a dropped score to apply, finishes sixth or lower.

Meanwhile, championship leader Bacheta ended fourth ahead of Latvian newcomer Harald Schlegelmilch who was able to get past Mihai Marinescu in the closing stages. Dino Zamparelli finished seventh from eighth place Markus Pommer, who is now out of the title battle, with Alex Fontana and Axcil Jefferies rounding out the top 10.

Speaking afterwards Tuscher said: "I had too much wheelspin at the start and saw that Luciano was already alongside me. I then braked going into the chicane but the track was really slippery, in fact I’ve never seen a track that slippery before, and I had no grip so went over it. After that I was P3 and just everything happened with places changing all the time! I wasn’t as quick at the start of the race but I got faster and faster and was pleased to see the chequered flag. I will do my best to do the same tomorrow but we’ll have to see."

Tomorrow’s second qualifying session gets underway at 09:40 (local time) with full coverage on the official F2 website.

F2 Results: Monza – Race 1:

1. Mathéo Tuscher, 21 laps
2. Christopher Zanella, +2.827s
3. Kevin Mirocha, +15.712s
4. Luciano Bacheta, +17.676s
5. Harald Schlegelmilch, +25.932s
6. Mihai Marinescu, +26.447s
7. Dino Zamparelli, +32.113s
8. Markus Pommer, +36.188s
9. Alex Fontana, +41.745s
10. Axcil Jefferies, +49.825s
11. Daniel McKenzie, +50.507s
12. David Zhu, +1:07.983s
13. Plamen Kralev, +1:15.227s
14. Max Snegirev, +1:22.055s
15. Hector Hurst, DNF

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Swiss ahead of championship rival for race one

Mathéo Tuscher made the most of the changeable conditions during today’s (Saturday) thrilling Formula Two qualifying session at Monza to snatch pole by just 0.196s from championship leader Luciano Bacheta.

Overnight rain and heavy cloud cover had left the track damp but drying for the 30-minute session with the threat of rain still looming. As the green flag was waved, the field was split on a mixture of wets and slicks with the early pace-setters being those on wets.

As the track continued to dry though, those on slicks were now setting the quicker times with Axcil Jefferies leading the way at the halfway point, closely followed by Dino Zamparelli and Mirocha, while title rivals Bacheta and Tuscher headed to pits to switch to slicks.

Meanwhile, Christopher Zanella was only just emerging on track with the rest of the field now diving into the pits to change tyres with 10-minutes left on the clock and no sign of any rain.

Disaster then struck for Bacheta with a spin at the second chicane whilst avoiding a backmarker, with the Brit able to return to the pits, before Max Snegirev went off at the first Lesmo to bring out the red flag with six minutes remaining.

After the restart, Tuscher and Bacheta then went first and second with the two posting identical sector two times with a flurry of activity behind them as drivers ‚raced‘ each other for track position and clear air.

The Swiss teenager though hung on to take his fourth pole of the season and give himself the best chance of preventing Bacheta from being crowned champion this afternoon.

Zanella’s strategy was enough to secure him P4 for today’s 21-lap race ahead of Zamparelli and Alex Fontana. Mihai Marinescu, who picked up his maiden win here last year, ended seventh followed by Jefferies, equalling his best ever qualifying result. Latvian newcomer Harald Schlegelmilch finished ninth with Markus Pommer, the only other title contender, enduring a disappointing session to round out the top 10.

Speaking afterwards Tuscher said: "I had a good feeling on the wet tyres and think I was running P2 which was good. It took a bit of time to get them up to temperature though as the track was still quite cold and wet in places. Before switching onto slicks we made some changes to the set-up and I think we did a great job to find a good set up. I did my quickest lap on the penultimate one. On my last lap though I was faster but in between Ascari and the Parabolica I tried to overtake Marinescu but I couldn’t and didn’t improve."

Today’s opening race (round 15) gets underway at 14:30 (local time) with full coverage, including live streaming, on the official F2 website.

F2 Results: Monza – Qualifying 1:

1. Mathéo Tuscher, 1:45.536s
2. Luciano Bacheta, +0.196s
3. Kevin Mirocha, +0.448s
4. Christopher Zanella, +0.499s
5. Dino Zamparelli, +0.637s
6. Alex Fontana, +0.696s
7. Mihai Marinescu, +0.733s
8. Axcil Jefferies, +0.937s
9. Harald Schlegelmilch, +1.434s
10. Markus Pommer, +1.623s
11. Hector Hurst, +2.103s
12. Daniel McKenzie, +2.775s
13. David Zhu, +3.213s
14. Max Snegirev, +6.041s
15. Plamen Kralev, +6.080s

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Kevin Mirocha led the way during today’s (Friday) second Formula Two practice session at Monza, putting in a superb late lap to steal the top spot from Daniel McKenzie and Latvian newcomer Harald Schlegelmilch.

Conditions had turned a little cooler for the second 45-minute session with Christopher Zanella the early pace-setter followed by championship leader Luciano Bacheta, with the Brit using the session to concentrate on testing tyre degradation.

Plamen Kralev was also looking quick lying P3 ahead of Mihai Marinescu, competing on his adopted home track this weekend, and Mathéo Tuscher. Debutant Schlegelmilch then hooked up an impressive lap to light up the timing screens with 15-minutes left on the clock. Sadly for the 24-year-old he was soon knocked off the top spot by Mirocha before a late charge by McKenzie dropped him down a further place to third. Zanella ended fourth ahead of Bacheta who can secure the title tomorrow and with it the Williams F1 test.

Kralev finished sixth after one of his best performances ahead of yesterday’s test pace-setter Alex Fontana and Marinescu. Tuscher and Axcil Jefferies completed the top 10 with Markus Pommer just outside after pushing a little too hard through the Parabolica at the midway stage to find the gravel trap.

Tomorrow’s first qualifying session gets underway at 09:45 (local time) with full coverage on the official F2 website.

F2 Results: Monza – Practice 2:

1. Kevin Mirocha, 1:38.121s
2. Daniel McKenzie, +0.840s
3. Harald Schlegelmilch, +1.128s
4. Christopher Zanella, +1.264s
5. Luciano Bacheta, +1.651s
6. Plamen Kralev, +1.750s
7. Alex Fontana, +1.815s
8. Mihai Marinescu, +1.984s
9. Mathéo Tuscher, +2.051s
10. Axcil Jefferies, +2.218s
11. Markus Pommer, +2.389s
12. David Zhu, +2.490s
13. Dino Zamparelli, +2.499s
14. Max Snegirev, +2.499s
15. Hector Hurst, +2.588s

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Formula 2 cars hit top speed of 300kph

Dino Zamparelli got his weekend off to the best possible start by topping the timesheets during today’s (Friday) opening Formula Two practice session at Monza, finishing a mere 0.011s ahead of nearest rival Mathéo Tuscher.

The 19-year-old British/Italian racer, currently lying eighth in the standings with two podiums, set a best time of 1:38.691s around the legendary Italian circuit where drivers were hitting top speeds of 300kph.

The majority of the best times were set early on in the dry, warm session with positions remaining unchanged for much of the duration. Mihai Marinescu, who recorded his maiden F2 win here last year, secured third spot with just 0.113s separating the top three drivers.

Fourth position went to Markus Pommer, hoping to carry on from his Hungary win last time out, with Axcil Jefferies impressing in fifth spot. Championship leader and favourite to scoop the title crown this weekend Luciano Bacheta finished sixth closely followed by fellow countryman Hector Hurst.

2011 F2 runner-up Christopher Zanella was eighth ahead of Alex Fontana, supported by Alessia Regazzoni daughter of the legendary Clay this weekend, with Polish racer Kevin Mirocha rounding out the top 10.

The session saw brief stoppages for separate spins by Plamen Kralev and Max Snegirv, both at Ascari, with the two finishing in 13th and 15 places respectively.

Today’s second practice session gets underway at 16:15 (local time) with full coverage on the official F2 website.

F2 Results: Monza – Practice 1:

1. Dino Zamparelli, 1:38.691s
2. Mathéo Tuscher, +0.011s
3. Mihai Marinescu, +0.113s
4. Markus Pommer, +0.445s
5. Axcil Jefferies, +0.511s
6. Luciano Bacheta, +0.631s
7. Hector Hurst, +0.637s
8. Christopher Zanella, +0.652s
9. Alex Fontana, +0.767s
10. Kevin Mirocha, +0.773s
11. Daniel McKenzie, +1.160s
12. David Zhu, +1.263s
13. Plamen Kralev, +1.278s
14. Harald Schlegelmilch, +1.385s
15. Max Snegirev, +1.752s

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Alex Fontana was the quickest man during today’s (Thursday) Formula Two test at Monza with the 20-year-old setting his best time early on in the second session and retaining the top spot throughout.

The morning’s first stint saw drivers faced with damp but drying conditions with competitive lap times not being set until the final 10 minutes, leading to a flurry of activity which saw Romanian Mihai Marinescu finish on top followed by Latvian newcomer Harald Schlegelmilch – a mere 0.022s behind.

Conditions and times greatly improved for the second and final session with Fontana, who is supported by Alessia Regazzoni this weekend – daughter of the legendary Clay – posting a time (1:38.058s) almost a second quicker than last year’s pole lap.

That was enough to edge out 2011 F2 runner-up Christopher Zanella, while 23-year-old Marinescu, who picked up his maiden F2 win here last year, ended third overall. Kevin Mirocha finished fourth ahead of another impressive showing from Axcil Jefferies, with a fraction over three tenths separating the top five.

Championship leader Luciano Bacheta, who remains favourite to secure the title crown this weekend, ended the day sixth fastest ahead of Markus Pommer with Dino Zamparelli securing eighth spot despite a trip to the gravel in the first session on the exit of the Parabollica.

Ninth position went to Swiss teenager and Bacheta’s nearest rival Mathéo Tuscher with Max Snegirev completing the top 10 ahead of what is set to be a fascinating F2 season finale where one driver will walk away with a Williams F1 test.

Tomorrow’s first practice session gets underway at 12:10 (local time) with full coverage on the official F2 website – www.formulatwo.com

F2 Results: Monza test session:

1. Alex Fontana, 1:38.058s
2. Christopher Zanella, +0.195s
3. Mihai Marinescu, +0.223s
4. Kevin Mirocha, +0.311s
5. Axcil Jefferies, +0.314s
6. Luciano Bacheta, +0.442s
7. Markus Pommer, +0.497s
8. Dino Zamparelli, +0.724s
9. Mathéo Tuscher, +1.060s
10. Max Snegirev, +1.230s
11. David Zhu, +1.257s
12. Plamen Kralev, +1.264s
13. Daniel McKenzie, +1.343s
14. Harald Schlegelmilch, +1.583s
15. Hector Hurst, +1.924s

Latvian racer adds name to Monza entry list

Latvian driver Harald Schlegelmilch will make his FIA Formula Two Championship debut this weekend (28/30 September) when he joins the grid for rounds 15 and 16 at Italy’s famous Monza circuit.

The 24-year-old brings with him a broad range of experience beginning in 2003 with Formula Baltic before going on to sample Formula Renault 2.0, Formula BMW and Formula 3 Euro Series – enjoying a number of race wins and podiums. More recently, Schlegelmilch sampled the GP2 Asia Series together with Formula Renault 3.5, with his last outing being in the 2010 in the Porsche Carrera Cup Germany before being forced to sit on the sidelines.

Speaking to Formulatwo.com Schlegelmilch said: “It’s great to be back out racing again and I can’t wait to race at Monza, a track I love and know well. I haven’t competed properly in single seaters since 2009 but hopefully the F2 test beforehand will help me to get up to speed quickly. I’ve not set myself any goals for the weekend, I’m just going to try and do the best job I can!”

The final Formula Two rounds take place at Monza from 28 – 30 September with pre-event testing beforehand on 27 September. Full coverage, including live timing and web streaming of both races, will be available on www.formulatwo.com.

Three contenders remain as title race goes into season finale at Monza

Markus Pommer took a dominant lights-to-flag victory during today’s (Sunday) second Formula Two race at the Hungaroring, finishing ahead of Mathéo Tuscher and Dino Zamparelli to push the championship battle into a season finale at Monza

After technical issues cut short his race yesterday, the 21-year-old powered from pole position to take his third win of the season by a margin of more than 16s, keeping him in contention for the title honours. Kevin Mirocha finished just outside the podium positions in fourth with race one winner Alex Fontana completing the top five at the sun-soaked Budapest circuit.

As the lights went out, Pommer made a great getaway to lead from Tuscher with Zamparelli up into third on the opening lap, with a great move around the outside of Mirocha at Turn 3. Another poor start by Fontana saw the Swiss drop to fifth ahead of Christopher Zanella, Mihai Marinescu and championship leader Luciano Bacheta.

Fontana was all over the back of Mirocha in the battle for fourth during the early stages of the race with the Pole defending fiercely and backing up a train of cars behind.

Bacheta was also having a battle of his own with fellow countryman Daniel McKenzie with McKenzie passing the championship leader around the outside of Turn 2 on lap 13 before Bacheta fought back.

There was no stopping Pommer though with the German consistently lapping in the mid 1:37s to take the chequered flag from Tuscher with the two now the only drivers who can still challenge Bacheta for the title honours.

Zanella finished sixth and now drops out of the title running as does seventh placed Mihai Marinescu. Bacheta, who struggled for pace throughout, managed to hold off McKenzie for eighth position to end a mixed weekend for the title leader with Axcil Jefferies completing the top 10.

Speaking afterwards Pommer said: "That was an amazing race! The start wasn’t perfect but it was ok and after two or three laps the car just felt amazing and so stable. After that I just drove like a machine and didn’t look in my mirrors or at my lap times and just kept pushing. It certainly makes up for what happened yesterday."

The final F2 rounds take place on 28-30 September in Monza with full coverage on the official championship website.

F2 Results: Hungaroring – Race 2:
1. Markus Pommer, 22 laps
2. Mathéo Tuscher, +16.227s
3. Dino Zamparelli, +18.811s
4. Kevin Mirocha, +28.927s
5. Alex Fontana, +31.243s
6. Christopher Zanella, +32.898s
7. Mihai Marinescu, +34.933s
8. Luciano Bacheta, +36.608s
9. Daniel McKenzie, +37.515s
10. Axcil Jefferies, +39.392s
11. David Zhu, +53.573s
12. Richard Gonda, +56.481s
13. Plamen Kralev, +1:00.353s
14. Hector Hurst, +1:01.019s
15. Max Snegirev, +1:39.092s
F2 Drivers’ standings: After Rd 14:
1. Luciano Bacheta, 208.5pts
2. Matheo Tuscher, 175pts
3. Markus Pommer, 165pts
4. Christopher Zanella, 161pts
5. Mihai Marinescu, 141pts
6. Kevin Mirocha, 126.5pts
7. Alex Fontana, 105pts
8. Dino Zamparelli, 94.5pts
9. Daniel McKenzie, 94pts
10. Hector Hurst, 27pts

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Podium for Bacheta to edge closer to championship title

Alex Fontana ended his run of bad luck with a superb maiden Formula Two win during today’s (Friday) sun-soaked race at the Hungaroring, powering his way from fourth on the grid to finish ahead of pole-sitter Kevin Mirocha and Luciano Bacheta.

The 20-year-old Swiss, who hasn’t been on the podium since the opening rounds at Silverstone, benefited from an incident-packed opening few laps before making a decisive move on race-leader Kevin Mirocha at Turn 1 on lap four, before pulling away to take the chequered flag.

There was drama before the lights had even gone out at the Budapest circuit as front-row starter Markus Pommer was forced to pull into the pits. That gave Mirocha a clean run off the line where he wasted little time in leading the field into the first hairpin, closely followed by Mathéo Tuscher. A poor starting Fontana allowed Mihai Marinescu to get ahead and into third while Bacheta was up into fifth, benefitting from Daniel McKenzie running wide on the opening lap. A mistake by Hector Hurst at Turn 2 then saw contact between him, David Zhu and Axcil Jefferies with Dino Zamparelli also having to take evasive action.

Then on lap three Marinescu tried a bold move on Tuscher into Turn 1 for second place with the Romanian making contact with the back of the his car, ending his race and dropping Tuscher right down the field before eventually retiring.

A lap later Fontana then saw his chance to squeeze by Mirocha with Bacheta also finding himself in a podium position while his title rivals were nowhere to be seen. Zamparelli was also working his way through the field after getting past newcomer Richard Gonda at the chicane for P7, before dispatching Max Snegriev to eventually finish sixth.

At the front, Fontana was making full use of a clear track to build a sizeable gap while the closest battle lay for third with McKenzie pushing his fellow countryman all the way to the line. Fifth spot went to Christopher Zanella with Max Snegirev scoring his first points finish of the season with seventh. Slovakian newcomer Gonda finished a respectable eighth with Plamen Kralev and David Zhu completing the top 10.

Speaking afterwards Fontana said: "It was a great race and a long overdue win! The qualifying was a little disappointing given how quick we were in free practice but it was still a good grid slot. I did get a bit lucky with Marinescu and Tuscher making contact and then I was able to stay behind Mirocha and use my overboost to get past him and then my speed did the rest."

With a 47.5 point lead, Bacheta can now secure the championship title during tomorrow’s second race which gets underway at 14:30 (local time).

F2 Results: Hungaroring – Race 1:

1. Alex Fontana, 22 laps
2. Kevin Mirocha, +2.774s
3. Luciano Bacheta, +9.111s
4. Daniel McKenzie, +9.922s
5. Christopher Zanella, +17.442s
6. Dino Zamparelli, +29.559s
7. Max Snegirev, +35.525s
8. Richard Gonda, +52.293s
9. Plamen Kralev, +1:02.435s
10. David Zhu, +1:17.957s
11. Markus Pommer, DNF
12. Mathéo Tuscher, DNF
13. Mihai Marinescu, DNF
14. Axcil Jefferies, DNF
15. Hector Hurst, DNF

Pole secures pole during closely fought session

Kevin Mirocha secured his maiden pole during today’s (Friday) closely fought Formula Two qualifying at the Hungaroring, setting a blistering lap midway through the session to edge out Markus Pommer by a mere 0.027s.

Swiss teenager Mathéo Tuscher, currently lying second in the drivers‘ standings, finished third after opting to go out late and putting in a flying middle sector during his best lap – leaving the top three covered by just 0.125s

Alex Fontana was the first driver to set a competitive lap time during the 30-minute sun-soaked session with the Swiss racer ending fourth – his best qualifying result since Spa. Fifth spot went to Mihai Marinescu, competing at his adopted home circuit, while British duo of Daniel McKenzie and Luciano Bacheta both set identical lap times to go sixth and seventh – with the championship leader setting his time second.

Christopher Zanella was another driver who opted to only go out in the second half of the session but the 22-year-old was unable to recreate his leading pace shown during Thursday’s pre-event test to end eighth.

Axcil Jefferies secured ninth with Hector Hurst rounding out the top 10 ahead of today’s race (round 13) which gets underway at 13:50 (local time).

Speaking afterwards Mirocha said: "I’ve been working hard on my pace and set-up and we’ve made good progress this weekend. I knew from yesterday’s practice that we were strong and although the session was tough with quite a few yellow flags, I got everything correct on my quick lap time using new tyres and I’m very happy with my first pole and for everyone back in Poland."

Live streaming of today’s race will also be available on www.formulatwo.com

F2 Results: Hungaroring – Qualifying 1:

1. Kevin Mirocha, 1:34.681s
2. Markus Pommer, +0.027s
3. Mathéo Tuscher, +0.125s
4. Alex Fontana, +0.250s
5. Mihai Marinescu, +0.530s
6. Daniel McKenzie, +0.615s
7. Luciano Bacheta, +0.615s
8. Christopher Zanella, +0.634s
9. Axcil Jefferies, +0.906s
10. Hector Hurst, +1.005s
11. David Zhu, +1.007s
12. Dino Zamparelli, +1.197s
13. Richard Gonda, +1.306s
14. Max Snegirev, +1.541s
15. Plamen Kralev, +1.589s

Swiss ahead of Mirocha and Marinescu in sun-soaked session

Alex Fontana got his Hungaroring weekend off to the best possible start by topping the timesheets during today’s (Friday) opening Formula Two practice, needing just one five-lap run to come away with the top spot ahead of Kevin Mirocha and Mihai Marinescu.

The 20-year-old Swiss/Greek racer posted a best time of 1:34.787s late in the 45-minute session to outpace his nearest rival by +0.187s – three tenths up on yesterday’s leading test time.

With a full day’s running already under their belts, understandably several drivers were slow to take to the track with Briton’s Daniel McKenzie, currently lying seventh in the standings, the only man to post a competitive time in the early stages. He was eventually joined by the rest of the field with Mihai Marinescu, competing on his adopted home circuit, going top before the Romanian ended third overall.

Yesterday’s pace-setter Christopher Zanella looked threatening for much of the session but could only manage fourth ahead of German Markus Pommer and Swiss teenager Mathéo Tuscher

Zimbabwean Axcil Jefferies impressed to finish seventh – one of his best performances of the year so far – ahead of championship leader Luciano Bacheta who is still yet to fully get to grips with the 4.381km Budapest track. McKenzie ended ninth ahead of Chinese racer David Zhu while newcomer Richard Gonda, who finished sixth during official pre-event testing, ending 12th.

Today’s second practice session gets underway at 15:45 (local time) with full coverage on the F2 website.

F2 Results: Hungaroring – Practice 1:

1. Alex Fontana, 1:34.787s
2. Kevin Mirocha, +0.187s
3. Mihai Marinescu, +0.238s
4. Christopher Zanella, +0.397s
5. Markus Pommer, +0.634s
6. Mathéo Tuscher, +0.647s
7. Axcil Jefferies, +0.706s
8. Luciano Bacheta, +0.761s
9. Daniel McKenzie, +1.038s
10. David Zhu, +1.277s
11. Hector Hurst, +1.554s
12. Richard Gonda, +1.617s
13. Plamen Kralev, +1.887s
14. Max Snegirev, +2.187s
15. Dino Zamparelli, –