Archiv der Kategorie Formula 2
Luciano Bacheta returns for F2 title assault
21.1.2012 von Wolfgang.
Leading British talent targets championship glory and Williams F1 test
Top British talent Luciano Bacheta has his sights set on championship glory after confirming his return to the FIA Formula Two Championship in 2012.
The 21-year-old enjoyed an impressive part-season last year, scoring top 10 points finishes in each of the four races he contested, including a best of fifth in Monza. He will now embark on a maiden full F2 campaign commencing at Silverstone in April, and will compete for the overall championship prize of a test with the Williams F1 team and eligibility for an FIA Super Licence – needed to compete in Grands Prix.
Bacheta brings with him a wealth of experience and race wins, beginning at the age of 13 in karting. After graduating from karts, he moved to the Ginetta Junior Championship, enjoying instant success before competing in the T-Cars Championship in 2006 with the PalmerSport Junior Team where he took the title in convincing style with six wins, three pole positions and 11 podiums.
Since then, the Briton has competed in Formula Palmer Audi, securing four race wins and nine podiums on his way to third overall, as well as Formula Renault 2.0. In 2010 he enjoyed an outstanding season in the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup series, finishing as runner-up with six podiums and one win. This earned him a place as one of the six finalists that year for the prestigious McLaren Autosport BRDC Award.
In addition to F2, 2011 saw Bacheta also sample GP3 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 on the announcement Bacheta said: “I’m really excited to be driving in Formula Two this season and to have it all confirmed so early in the year so I can get my head down and focus on the task ahead. Last year I contested four races and enjoyed every one and was impressed with the set up of F2, so it’s great to be running a full campaign in 2012. My aim is to be at the front and of course I would love to get my hands on the Williams F1 prize test, although I know the competition is going to be tough, especially from returning drivers. It’s also exciting to have an upgraded, quicker F2 car for this season and I’m looking forward to driving it.”
Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome back Luciano to Formula Two. I’ve known him well since his early days of T-Cars back in 2006 and have followed his career ever since, and he’s clearly an exciting prospect. He was instantly a front-runner when he joined the championship at the end of last year and took little time to adapt to the Williams designed F2 car. Luciano will be a major contender for the championship this year.”
Further Formula Two drivers will be announced shortly with full details available on www.formulatwo.com For more information on Luciano visit his driver profile on the F2 website or click on www.lucianobacheta.com
Formula Two chooses Yokohama tyres for new two-second-faster car
13.1.2012 von Wolfgang.
Upgraded 2012-spec F2 car unveiled at Autosport International Show
The FIA Formula Two Championship today (Thursday 12 January) unveiled its new two-seconds-a-lap quicker F2 car at the Autosport International Show in Birmingham, which features tyres from leading motorsport manufacturer YOKOHAMA for the first time.
Following extensive testing throughout last year, assisted by current champion Mirko Bortolotti, F2’s engineers have developed a performance upgrade package for the Williams designed car, which centres around a switch from Avon to YOKOHAMA tyres and new carbon composite brakes.
The new compound tyres have been purpose built for the series by the Japanese manufacturer who has been at the forefront of motorsport for many years and is currently the tyre supplier for the FIA World Touring Car Championship. The new tyres will offer improved stability and balance, yet without compromising on longevity, as well as aiding newcomers to better understand and easily fine-tune the car by offering more precise feedback. Drivers will also receive an additional set of new slick tyres every weekend in 2012 giving them increased running on new rubber.
Alongside the YOKOHAMA tyres, the upgraded F2 car will also feature new carbon composite brakes to reduce weight and improve performance. Recent tests conducted during post-season testing at Barcelona yielded impressive results with the new spec car running a full 2.363s quicker (1:34.712s) than the fastest time set by the previous F2 machine.
F2 Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer and Kazu Sekiguchi, Head of YOKOHAMA Motorsport, were on hand to announce the new partnership. Palmer commented: “We’re delighted to confirm our new partnership between Formula Two and YOKOHAMA. Given the impressive results achieved in testing so far we’re confident our new tyres will deliver enhanced performance both in terms of pace and also consistency, which is crucial in maintaining the completely equal environment of F2. This forms a significant part of an upgrade package that will see the Williams JPH1B F2 car lap around two seconds faster than its 2011 equivalent. We’re now looking forward to working with YOKOHAMA on further developments ahead of the season opener at Silverstone in April.”
David Seward, Managing Director of YOKOHAMA UK, who was also present, added: “F2 has quickly established a name as one of the most exciting championships around and we are very proud to have been chosen as the control tyre for such a prestigious race series. This is a fantastic platform to demonstrate the quality, performance and technology that is synonymous with the YOKOHAMA brand and we look forward with great excitement to the season ahead.”
F2 champion Bortolotti, who contributed with testing and development of the 2012-spec car, commented: “The car felt good and performed really well. The new tyres perfectly suit the car and react well offering increased grip, even at Barcelona which is very hard on tyres. These combined well with the new brakes which are 12 kilos lighter and allowed me to brake harder and later. Throughout the test we were consistently lapping quickly, in and around the 1:34s, and I think from a driver’s point of view all these features will improve the feeling of the F2 car and be a good thing for the 2012 season.”
Further details on the 2012 Formula Two season will be announced shortly but for more information visit www.formulatwo.com . Alternatively for further details on YOKOHAMA click onto www.yokohama.co.uk.
Christopher Zanella ends second test day on top
14.12.2011 von Wolfgang.
Impressive display by both new and returning drivers in Barcelona
Christopher Zanella ended the second and final day of official Formula Two testing as the leading driver to conclude and impressive display by a host of talented international drivers.
The 22-year-old, who recorded two wins on his way to second in this year’s F2 championship, used the cooler morning temperatures to set a best time of 1:37.075s, which remained unbeaten by the narrowest of margins.
German Markus Pommer continued to impress to record the second fastest time of the day, this time in the final stint, with Romanian Mihai Marinescu going third fastest. European F3 Open champion Alex Fontana finished fourth overall with Italian Edoardo Liberati completing the top five.
Once again the second test day saw all the sessions closely contested along with some superb debut drives including that of teenager Matheo Tuscher.
The F2 paddock also welcomed several new faces with James Cole, who raced in F2 this year securing two top 10 finishes, in place of yesterday’s pace-setter Miki Monras, returnee Max Snegirev in for Maxime Jousse and French newcomer Tuscher replacing Aaron Steele.
As the first session got underway it was Italian Vittorio Ghirelli who set the early pace with Riccardo Brutschin, Fontana and Daniel McKenzie all looking quick too. Two red flags towards the end of the session though hampered many drivers who had opted to start a run on new tyres with Alex Craven and Sasha Radola the drivers finding the gravel trap.
Marinescu had also looked quick for the opening session but it was Zanella who secured the honours closely followed by the 22-year-old Romanian with Pommer, Fontana and Liberati completing the top five.
Zanella again led the way early in the second session with Marinescu, Brutschin and Hector Hurst all following closely. As the session continued 19-year-old Hurst, who raced in Formula Renault BARC this year, found his stride putting in consistent lap times to be running in the top three.
Ghirelli then moved into the top five followed by two-time McLaren Autosport Award finalist Scott Malvern with the 22-year-old continuing to improve after running an impressive eighth fastest yesterday.
Session three saw Liberati lead the way for much of the 55-minute stint with the 19-year-old putting in consistent lap times with Hurst and Marinescu also running well in the session. Proceedings were briefly interrupted following a red flag caused by Radola spinning at Turn 9 but quickly resumed at which point newcomer Tuscher went top on his F2 test debut. The Frenchman, who this year won the Formula Pilota China series, used new tyres to put in a superb 1:38.468s which remained unbeaten for the session. Liberati ended second with Hurst, also on new rubber, in third and Marinescu and Zanella completing the top five.
The day’s final stint saw the drivers able to use their overboost facility with some choosing to remain in the pits early on as they waited for a clear track. By the mid-way point it was Tuscher who was once again lighting up the timing screens and the first driver to dip into the 1:37s with Liberati, Zanella, Hurst and Marinescu all following closely.
A spin by Hurst exiting the last corner saw the session briefly halted before the green flags were waved with 10 remaining on the clock. With many drivers just about to start their final run though, the interruption meant the last few minutes saw a scramble to regain good track position and avoid traffic.
Zanella, Marinescu, Tuscher and Pommer all enjoyed their time at the top of the timesheets as each bettered the previous driver’s time but it was the German who took the honours – by a mere 0.033s – ahead of the Swiss and the Romanian with Tuscher impressing with fourth slot.
Meanwhile, Brutschin completed a successful debut test to go sixth overall for the day with Brit McKenzie seventh and Kelvin Snoeks eighth. Ghirelli and Tuscher completed the top 10.
Formula Two will be revealing further details on next year’s season shortly with all the information available at www.formulatwo.com
Barcelona winter testing, day two afternoon (combined) results:
1. Christopher Zanella, 1:37.075s
2. Markus Pommer, +0.014s
3. Mihai Marinescu, +0.108s
4. Alex Fontana, +0.258s
5. Edoardo Liberati, +0.304s
6. Riccardo Brutschin, +0.351s
7. Daniel McKenzie, +0.403s
8. Kelvin Snoeks, +0.499s
9. Vittorio Ghirelli, +0.500s
10. Matheo Tuscher, +0.533s
Miki Monras leads the way on day one of winter testing
14.12.2011 von Wolfgang.
Newcomers impress on first F2 outing in Barcelona
Miki Monras ended the opening day of official Formula Two testing at Barcelona as the quickest man against an impressive field of 18 new and returning drivers.
The Spaniard, who finished fourth in this year’s F2, made use of fresh tyres and cooler temperatures during the first 55-minute session to set a 1:35.950s which wasn’t bettered throughout the day.
Romanian and F2 race-winner Mihai Marinescu finished second for the day with 2011 F2 runner-up Christopher Zanella third overall.
The test, which was split into four sessions, also saw more than half the field making their F2 debut with newcomers including GP3 driver Vittorio Ghirelli, two-time McLaren Autosport Award finalist Scott Malvern and German Markus Pommer among those to impress.
Monras impresses…
The day began in dry but cold conditions with Monras setting an impressive benchmark early on and continuing to look quick with his best time also faster than Mirko Bortolotti’s pole lap from the recent rounds here in October.
Throughout the morning the new drivers continued to improve their lap times with Italy’s Ghirelli, who raced in GP3 this year, and Pommer in particular looking strong, together with Edoardo Liberati who finished fifth in Italian F3.
Frenchman Maxime Jousse, younger brother of 2009 F2 racer Julien, also ran well to lap inside the top three in only his second F2 test after running sixth overall this time last year. German Riccardo Brutschin, who’s father Harold raced with F2 Chief Executive Jonathan in the 1980s, also impressed in the morning stint together with Brits Aaron Steele and Scott Malvern both of whom hope to step up to F2 in 2012.
In the afternoon it was Marinescu who led the way from Monras in the third session with Ghirelli once again impressing as did Malvern, Snoeks, Pommer and Zanella – the latter still suffering from an injury to his right arm following a snowmobile accident, similar to that sustained by F1 returnee Kimi Räikkönen. Alex Fontana, one of four Swiss drivers taking part in the test, also impressed with Croatian newcomer Sasha Radola also finding his stride.
The day’s fourth and final session allowed drivers to use their overboost facility, increasing power output to 500bhp. Newcomer Hector Hurst ran well early on before Pommer replaced him at the top of the timesheets with Fontana, Ghirelli and Brutschin all amongst the front-runners.
In the final few minutes though, Monras, Marinescu and Zanella all posted quick laps with the Spaniard once again taking the honours to round off an impressive performance by the 19-year-old.
Speaking afterwards Monras said: "I really enjoyed the test day. I expected to be quick as it’s my home circuit which I know well and managed to put in some good lap times using new tyres early on. I’m happy with my pace and we’re looking at F2 as an option for next year but we’ll have to see if we can get the budget together."
Ghirelli ended the day fourth overall, with Pommer fifth, Jousse sixth and Malvern seventh. Fontana, Liberati and Snoeks rounded out the top 10.
Meanwhile, 2011 Formula Ford runner-up Jeroen Slaghekke had been scheduled to test but has been forced to postpone his run following an injury sustained to his hand.
Testing continues tomorrow from 9am (local time) with full coverage available on www.formulatwo.com.
Barcelona winter testing, day one results (combined):
1. Miki Monras, 1:35.950s
2. Mihai Marinescu, +0142s
3. Christopher Zanella, +0.583s
4. Vittorio Ghirelli, +0.773s
5. Markus Pommer, +0.924s
6. Maxime Jousse, +1.342s
7. Alex Fontana, +1.489s
8. Scott Malvern, +1.691s
9. Edoardi Liberati, +1.706s
10. Kelvin Snoeks, +1.735s
Formula Two reveals F1-dominated 2012 calendar
7.12.2011 von Wolfgang.
Series to visit five current Grand Prix venues for fourth season, including Hungaroring debut
The FIA Formula Two Championship is delighted to announce its superb calendar for the 2012 season, which will once again be dominated by current Formula One circuits, including a maiden visit to the Hungaroring near Budapest in September.
Following a meeting of the FIA World Motor Sport Council today (Wednesday 7 December), the calendar for the championship’s fourth season was formally approved. The series will again be contested over eight double headers (16 races) - all taking place on current, former or testing F1 circuits.
As in 2011, the season will commence in April with a standalone event at Silverstone, home to the British Grand Prix. F2 will then begin its tour of Europe beginning with Portimão in Portugal, last visited by F2 in 2010 when Jolyon Palmer and Dean Stoneman shared the spoils.
From there the series continues on to Germany and the Nűrburgring at the end of May, followed by the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium. Brands Hatch’s iconic Grand Prix circuit will then play host to F2 for a fourth consecutive year in July before the series returns overseas to France one week later, with a maiden visit to the Paul Ricard circuit, a venue with close ties to F1 Chief Executive Bernie Ecclestone.
F2 will then visit Budapest’s Hungaroring for the first time in its modern era, before the championship concludes with its season finale in Monza, Italy.
Formula Two Series Director Jonathan Palmer praised the new calendar commenting: "After three very successful seasons of the FIA Formula Two Championship, our 2012 calendar is based around Grand Prix circuits, which our F1 focused drivers favour.
"F2 will continue to provide drivers with substantial track time and learning opportunity at each of these exceptional venues. No other championship offers such an enticing combination of outstanding value, vehicle performance and the chance to race on so many F1 circuits."
Further details on next year’s FIA Formula Two Championship will be announced shortly. Prospective drivers should contact Formula Two Championship Coordinator James Gornall on 0044 1234 332439 or email james.gornall@formulatwo.com.
2012 FIA Formula Two Championship Calendar:
13/14/15 April Silverstone, United Kingdom
27/28/29 April Algarve, Portugal
25/26/27 May Nürburgring, Germany
22/23/24 June Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
13/14/15 July Brands Hatch, United Kingdom
20/21/22 July Paul Ricard, France
7/8/9 Sept Hungaroring, Hungary*
28/29/30 Sept Monza, Italy
*Subject to ASN approval
For more information on the series click onto www.formulatwo.com
Imperious Bortolotti takes F2 win record
30.10.2011 von Wolfgang.
Italian’s victory halts Pineiro’s charge for second in championship
Mirko Bortolotti has taken the FIA Formula Two Championship win record with victory in the final race of the season at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona today (Sunday). His seventh victory in 2011 matches Andy Soucek’s record from 2009, the year Bortolotti took his first of what has now become eight wins.
Spaniard Ramon Pinero finished just behind the Italian during the final race of the season but narrowly missed out on second place in the championship by just four points to Swiss driver Christopher Zanella who finished seventh.
Romanian Mihai Marinescu secured his fourth podium from the last six races with third spot, just ahead of local driver Miki Monras who ended his debut F2 season fourth overall.
As the 22-lap race got underway, Pineiro made a superb start from second on the grid and looked to take the lead of the race as he held the inside line into Turn 1. However, 21-year-old Bortolotti drove around the outside of the 20-year-old to take the lead into the left-hander at Turn 2. The move was decisive to Bortolotti’s race and he set about breaking his opponent’s resolve in a similar manner to yesterday’s race.
Meanwhile Pineiro was aware of an early challenge from Marinescu, who had stolen third place from Monras, but the Romanian was to progress no further up the field as the race settled down after a frantic first lap that saw Tobias Hegewald spin down the order.
As Bortolotti pulled out several tenths on each lap, Pineiro kept up the pace to secure his second place. Behind Marinescu and Monras, Alex Brundle, Kelvin Snoeks and Christopher Zanella enjoyed a race-long tussle for fifth place.
Danish driver Mikkel Mac impressed once again by working his way past Jack Clarke for eighth place, before Benjamin Lariche put the Englishman under intense pressure for the remainder of the race. However, he was also aware of a charging Hegewald, who had worked his way up the order and nearly challenged for the final points position as the race drew to a conclusion.
On taking his seventh win of the season, Bortolotti slowed as he crossed the finish line to show his appreciation to his F2 engineers and rounding off his dominant season in fine style.
Speaking afterwards Bortolotti said: "I knew it [the race] was going to be decided on the start but my start was very bad. I’m disappointed about that, but I managed to brake really late into Turn 1 and pass Ramon on the outside, which is not easy. That was the key for this win as once you get your position, it’s difficult for the guy behind to get a run to overtake you, so I knew it was going to be very important to be first at the end of the first lap. I wanted to win this race because I wanted to make it eight Formula Two wins. I’m very proud about this and winning the last two races in Formula Two is fantastic and that’s my way to say goodbye to all these people I had the pleasure to work with these two seasons, so I’m delighted and I’m very happy."
Mirko Bortolotti will now prepare for his Williams F1 test in Abu Dhabi in just over two weeks time while Christopher Zanella and Ramon Pineiro will each enjoy a GP2 test. All three drivers will also receive an FIA Superlicence needed to compete in Formula One.
Barcelona, Race two result:
1. Mirko Bortolotti, 22 Laps
2. Ramon Pineiro, +8.073s
3. Mihai Marinescu, +11.782s
4. Miki Monras, +13.008s
5. Alex Brundle, +25.133s
6. Kelvin Snoeks, +25.977s
7. Christopher Zanella, +27.201s
8. Mikkel Mac, +28.002s
9. Jack Clarke, +39.918s
10. Benjamin Lariche, +39.698s
2011 FIA Formula Two Championship - Final driver standings (inc dropped scores):
1. Mirko Bortolotti, 298
2. Christopher Zanella, 189
3. Ramon Pineiro, 185
4. Miki Monras, 153
5. Mihai Marinescu, 138
6. Tobias Hegewald, 121
7. Alex Brundle, 112
8. Jack Clarke, 110
9. Will Bratt, 92
10. Kelvin Snoeks.
For more information on the series click onto www.formulatwo.com
Bortolotti scores commanding Barcelona race one win
29.10.2011 von Wolfgang.
Pineiro’s third place denies Monras third place in the championship
Mirko Bortolotti has won the first race at Barcelona with a strong performance, breaking the early challenge of Miki Monras with a succession of fast laps. Ramon Pineiro completed the podium with third place, guaranteeing him at least third place in the championship.
Bortolotti made a fine start from the grid and whilst Monras was safely installed in third place, Pinero endured a tough start fending off Tobias Hegewald. However as he had predicted after qualifying, Pinero began to pick up his pace as he familiarised himself with the circuit.
At the front, Monras began to catch Bortolotti after a few laps but the 2011 Champion sped up as the race headed towards the halfway point. A succession of fast laps began, and the Austro-Italian started gaining half a second every lap, eventually beating his opponent by 8.771 seconds by the chequered flag.
Meanwhile once Pinerio had cleared Hegewald, the German came under attack from Mihai Marinescu. The Romanian attempted a few moves but was unable to wrest fourth place.
Jack Clarke had an untroubled run to sixth after an early challenge from Christopher Zanella came to nought after the Swiss ran wide. Alex Brundle looked as though he might come into play at one point as Kelvin Snoeks and Mikkel Mac battled behind, but the latter pair started to reel the Briton in late on.
Further back Benjamin Lariche tried to make up for a spin on the first lap by fighting his way back. An incident with Kralev was declared a racing incident by the stewards when the Bulgarian spun. Another entertaining tussle with Jose Luis Abadin helped his cause, and he also passed James Cole by the end of the race.
There was no champagne celebration on the podium and after the race Bortolotti paid tribute to fellow Italian Marco Simoncelli as well as Dan Wheldon, who both passed away recently.
Speaking afterwards Bortolotti said: "I’m very happy with that performance. The start was good and I just tried to get into my rhythm. It’s very difficult to overtake here, so I knew that as long as I didn’t make a mistake I should be able to take the win. I’m happy with that and I think we had good pace throughout the weekend and obviously the new tyres helped me a lot this race, so I’m looking forward to tomorrow now."
Adding: "I’m sorry for not spraying champagne on the podium but I lost a racing idol last week and two weeks ago there was a massive accident as well so I didn’t feel like spraying champagne."
The final round of the 2011 F2 series gets underway tomorrow (Sunday) beginning with qualifying at 08:45 (local time).
Barcelona, race one results:
1. Mirko Bortolotti, 22 Laps
2. Miki Monras, +8.771s
3. Ramon Pineiro, +19.846s
4. Tobias Hegewald, +26.201s
5. Mihai Marinescu, 26.933s
6. Jack Clarke, +39.492s
7. Christopher Zanella, +41.852s
8. Alex Brundle, +43.033s
9. Kelvin Snoeks, +43.588s
10. Mikkel Mac, +44.458s
For more information on the series click onto www.formulatwo.com
Monras quickest in Barcelona F2 test
28.10.2011 von Wolfgang.
Spaniard ends day fastest overall ahead of season finale this weekend
Miki Monras led the way during today’s (Thursday) official FIA Formula Two Championship test in Barcelona, ahead of the final rounds of the season.
The 19-year-old Spaniard topped the timesheets with his best time (1:38.279s) coming in the first of four standalone sessions at the 4.655km Circuit de Catalunya – venue for rounds 15 and 16 this weekend (29-30 October).
Newly crowned 2011 F2 Champion Mirko Bortolotti was second quickest overall with the Italian, like most of the F2 drivers, setting his best time early on during dry track conditions before rain hit for the final two stints.
Brit Alex Brundle, who picked up his third podium of the year in Monza last time out, was third fastest for the day followed by Dutchman Kelvin Snoeks and Frenchman Benjamin Lariche.
Jack Clarke, who had also looked quick all day, ended sixth just in front of Tobias Hegewald, Mihai Marinescu, Mikkel Mac and Thiemo Storz.
Heavy rain in the afternoon sessions meant drivers were unable to improve their times but it did give them vital wet running testing before tomorrow’s (Friday) first free practice session which gets underway at 10:20 (local time).
Speaking afterwards Monras, who currently lies fourth in the drivers’ standings, said: “We’ve had a really good day and was quick in both the wet and dry which is good because the weather forecast is mixed for this weekend. I’m really confident heading into the final rounds and really want to give my best, especially with it being my home track that I know well and have a lot of people supporting me.”
F2 Official testing - Barcelona, combined session times:
1. Miki Monras, 1:38.279s
2. Mirko Bortolotti, +0.193s
3. Alex Brundle, +0.958s
4. Kelvin Snoeks, +1.117s
5. Benjamin Lariche, +1.144ss
6. Jack Clarke, +1.353s
7. Tobias Hegewald, +1.488s
8. Mihai Marinescu, +1.512s
9. Mikkel Mac, +1.934s
10. Thiemo Storz, +2.348s
For more information on the series click onto www.formulatwo.com
F2 announces winter test dates beginning with inaugural visit to Jerez Championship heads to Spain for four days of testing in November and December
20.10.2011 von Wolfgang.
Organisers of the FIA Formula Two Championship have today (Thursday) released the dates of its winter testing programme to help select drivers for 2012, beginning with its first ever visit to the popular F1 test venue of Jerez.
Held shortly after the F2 season finale in Barcelona next week (28-30 October), the test programme will be run for both existing and prospective drivers looking to contest next year’s series.
The first two-day session gets underway at the Circuito de Jerez on 28/29 November. This is followed by a further two days on 13/14 December in Barcelona, home of the Spanish Grand Prix.
All drivers will receive a full briefing by the F2 engineers to aid their understanding of the 500bhp JPH1B car. Along with data comparison, live timing and onboard video analysis, drivers will also receive two sets of new tyres per day.
F2 Championship Coordinator James Gornall said: “We have only just announced the dates of our winter test programme but we have already received a great deal of interest from both current and new drivers. Like the main series, we’ve selected F1 graded circuits and our unique data comparison facility will ensure maximum learning opportunity ahead of the 2012 season.”
2011 FIA Formula Two Championship – Winter Testing
Jerez, Spain 28/29 November
Barcelona, Spain 13/14 December
For more information on winter testing contact the Championship Co-ordinator James Gornall at james.gornall@formulatwo.com or on 0044 1234 332439. Alternatively for further details on the winter programme visit http://www.formulatwo.com/2011-winter-testing.aspx
Formula Two renews McLaren Autosport BRDC Award partnership
20.10.2011 von Wolfgang.
MotorSport Vision is pleased to announce that it will once again play an important role in enabling the worthy winner of the 23rd McLaren Autosport BRDC Award to be selected by supplying six Williams JPH1B F2 cars for the driver assessment programme at Silverstone circuit in November.
The utilisation of the F2 cars for the first time last year played a major role in upgrading the evaluation process by providing sufficient cars to enable all six finalists to be assessed on track at the same time during the judging procedure - something that had proved impossible in the past when drivers would share two or three F3 cars, inevitably often driving in the differing weather and track conditions that prevail in November. F2 will once again supply six identical 500bhp F2 cars, together with full engineering support, for this year’s award.
As with previous years, the award finalists have been selected by a panel of experts following proposals by Autosport readers, with the candidates being Emil Bernstorff, Tom Blomqvist, Alex Lynn, Scott Malvern, Oliver Rowland and Dino Zamparelli.
The overall winner will then be announced in December at the Autosport Awards, UK motorsport’s spectacular annual celebration at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, where an F2 car will be on display alongside McLaren’s current F1 machine. The 2011 McLaren Autosport BRDC Award winner will receive a McLaren Formula One test and a prize of £100,000 towards the driver’s 2012 racing budget.
Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, said: “We are pleased to be providing the main race cars in which the finalists can be evaluated. The McLaren Autosport BRDC Award is hugely prestigious and given just how high the level of talent is, it is crucial that the cars the finalists drive are as identical as possible. Only F2 can provide such outstanding equality of machinery, which feature a substantial power increase to 450bhp - around double that that most finalists are familiar with. Use of the overboost button will also be included, providing up to 500bhp.”
The switch to F2 cars was widely praised by the judging panel in 2011, which includes former F1 racer and BRDC president Derek Warwick, two-time BTCC champion Jason Plato and DTM ace Jamie Green, as, for the first time, the six finalists had the opportunity to showcase their talent on a completely level playing field in identical machinery.
For more information on the series click onto www.formulatwo.com
Italian driver Mirko Bortolotti wins 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship
3.10.2011 von Wolfgang.
F2 racer secures prize test drive with the Williams F1 Team at home round
Italian driver Mirko Bortolotti has clinched the 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship in style at the Monza circuit in Italy today (Sunday 2 October), taking a dominant victory in round 14 to secure the title and a prize test drive with the Williams Formula One team.
The 21-year-old secured the F2 title on home soil and with one round of the season remaining, following in the footsteps of 2009 winner Andy Soucek and last year’s champion Dean Stoneman.
As his prize for claiming the Formula Two crown, Bortolotti will earn a full test with the Williams F1 team at Abu Dhabi in November. He will also qualify for an FIA Superlicence, required to compete in Formula One Grands Prix.
Bortolotti headed into this weekend with a 60-point advantage over his nearest rival Christopher Zanella. After a superb second place in race one, he needed just two points from today’s contest, which he started from pole position.
He duly wrapped up the title in dramatic fashion by recording a lights-to-flag victory, his fifth of the season so far, in front of his home fans.
Mirko Bortolotti said: “I don’t have words to explain how I feel right now, I think I have to realise it. I’m just so happy. It’s just amazing for me. I cannot say anything else, all I can say is that we did a good job, the car was perfect and I have to send my congratulations to the whole F2 team because obviously they are doing a great job.”
Looking ahead Bortolotti said: “I don’t know what’s going to happen for 2012, we will have see. First of all I have to think about my Williams F1 test, and we’ve got another F2 race in Barcelona too. I managed to win this prize so I will try to prepare myself as best as I can. I had the luck in the past to get some Formula One tests so maybe that could help me but of course everything changed this year so it will be interesting to learn all the new parts that the Formula One car has and try to give the best I can and enjoy the day.”
He added: “We will be celebrating for sure! We are in Italy so to win the championship here is obviously a dream come true and for sure I will party tonight!
Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, said: “Mirko has done an absolutely superb job this season and is a very worthy 2011 F2 champion. From the opening round at Silverstone, he has shown outstanding talent and pace in a very competitive field and has really dominated since then, sealing the championship with one round still remaining. I am very confident he is going to make a big impression when he claims his Williams F1 test drive in Abu Dhabi, and that F2’s high standard of competition has given him the best possible preparation for the next step in his career.”
Sir Frank Williams, Founder and Team Principal, added: “Mirko Bortolotti is another worthy winner of the F2 Championship. We have obviously followed his progress this season and witnessed some impressive performances, including points-scoring finishes in every round and five race wins. We are sure Mirko will learn a lot from the test day he now has with us in Abu Dhabi later this year and we look forward to seeing what he can do in a Formula One car."
The 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship continues later this month with the final round in Barcelona where the fight for the two runner-up spots, where both receive a GP2 test, remains very close.
For more information on the series click onto www.formulatwo.com
F2 car out runs fighter jet!
7.9.2011 von Wolfgang.
Plamen Kralev goes head-to-head with MiG-29 during Bulgarian air show
The 500bhp of the JPH1B Williams F2 car impressed in one of its toughest challenges yet recently when it went head-to-head in a drag race with a 22,220bhp MiG-29 fighter jet!
The spectacular contest took place as part of the Bulgarian BIAF 2011 air show, celebrating 100 years’ of the nation’s aviation history. FIA Formula Two racer Plamen Kralev was invited to pilot the F2 car being a local driver and also one of Bulgaria’s leading motorsport figures, having been elected in 2008 by the National Tourism Agency as his country’s official global motorsport ambassador.
Using a clear runaway, the two power houses took part in a 600 metre race and, even though the F2 car had a slow getaway due to cold tyres, it was just able to clinch victory by a narrow margin.
Although the Russian-built fighter plane is capable of accelerating from 0 to 250 km/h in less than 500m, it is designed to be fast when airborne, and so struggled on the ground against the acceleration power of the F2 car, which is capable of reaching 100 km/h in 2.1 seconds.
The event also marked the first time an F2 car has visited Bulgaria while Plamen himself got to meet Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borisov.
Plamen, and the rest of the F2 field, is next in action for rounds 13 and 14 of the 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship in Monza from 30 September – 2 October.
For more information on the series click onto www.formulatwo.com
Pineiro secures third successive F2 win
28.8.2011 von Wolfgang.
Spaniard takes lead from Zanella as Bortolotti strengthens championship charge
Ramon Pineiro stormed to a third successive victory after winning today’s (Sunday) second FIA Formula Two race at the Red Bull Ring.
The young Spaniard took the lead from pole-sitter Christopher Zanella at Turn 2 on the first lap, and in similar style to yesterday, went on to build a comfortable lead to take the chequered flag. Mirko Bortolotti further strengthened his championship charge with a second place while Romanian Mihai Marinescu claimed his second successive podium finish.
Zanella, starting on pole after Mirko Bortolotti’s post-qualifying penalty, made a good start, but Pineiro attacked the Swiss driver into Turn 2, with Zanella subsequently going wide. 19-year-old Pineiro then took the lead while Bortolotti also found his way past into second.
Throughout the 26-lap race, Pineiro regularly had a lead of around two seconds, although Bortolotti showed threatening pace at the end of the race, setting the fastest lap to close within 1.2 seconds of the Spaniard.
Mihai Marinescu also capitalised on Zanella running wide at Turn 1 to move into third place where he stayed untroubled for the rest of the race while 21-year-old Zanella was forced to settle for fourth, just ahead of Kelvin Snoeks who made up three palces to round out the top five.
After being caught up in the first corner incident involving Armaan Ebrahim, Tobias Hegewald brought his JPH1B car home in sixth place ahead of Russian Max Snegirev who equalled his best ever result of seventh.
Frenchman Benjamin Lariche rounded off a strong weekend to secure yet another points finish at the 4.3km Austrian track with eighth place with Mikkel Mac came home in ninth. British F2 newcomer Luciano Bacheta enjoyed yet another points finish on his debut to round out the top 10 and made even more impressive given he started the race in 15th position.
Meanwhile, there was less luck for the rest of the British drivers with Jack Clarke and Alex Brundle being forced to retire after being caught up in separate incidents at the first corner, with James Cole also dropping down the order due to brake issues.
Despite starting from the back of the field Theimo Storz drove a superb race to claim 14th position while Spaniard Miki Monras endured yet more bad luck to drop to 11th after spinning early on.
A post-race investigation by the stewards also saw Plamen Kralev handed a five place grid penalty at the next F2 rounds for overtaking under a yellow flag.
Speaking afterwards race winner Pineiro said: "I think this was the hardest race I’ve won because I just built up a two second gap and then Mirko and Mihai were just doing qualifying laps every single lap and I knew just one mistake would bring them even closer. So it was very hard to stay consistent and stay on the limit, which is the hardest thing to do but I could manage it and take the win back home."
The next rounds (13 and 14) of the 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship take place at Monza on 30 September to 2 October.
Results, Red Bull Ring, Race two:
1. Ramon Pineiro, 26 laps
2. Mirko Bortolotti, +1.204s
3. Mihai Marinescu, +9.920s
4. Christopher Zanella, +12.709s
5. Kelvin Snoeks, +20.818s
6. Tobias Hegewald, +24.689s
7. Max Snegirev, +30.592s
8. Benjamin Lariche, +33.186s
9. Mikkel Mac, +33.537s
10. Luciano Bacheta, +35.887s
For more information on the series click onto www.formulatwo.com
Pineiro secures second successive victory
27.8.2011 von Wolfgang.
Spanish teenager wins opening F2 race in Austria
Ramon Pineiro secured his second successive win in the FIA Formula Two Championship after dominating the first race at the Red Bull Ring today (Saturday).
The 19-year-old Spaniard started on pole, made a great start and never looked back as he comfortably built a lead at the front. Austro-Italian Mirko Bortolotti finished second to increase his lead at the top of the drivers’ standings, while Mihai Marinescu finally claimed his maiden F2 podium after holding off a charging Alex Brundle.
There was drama right from the very first corner of the 26 lap race when Johannes Theobald made contact with Brit Jack Clarke and newcomer Rene Binder causing the German to go airborne in the braking zone for turn one and rolled before coming to rest the right way up. Despite the severity of the incident, Theobald immediately stepped out of the car, demonstrating the safety of the JPH1B car.
The action continued at the same corner on the second lap of the race, as Miki Monras and Mikkel Mac collided while braking, forcing both out of the race and severely damaging the Spaniard’s title hopes.
As the race continued, Pineiro continued to pull away with Bortolotti following but unable to mount a challenge. Christopher Zanella, who had started the race third, was now running in fifth but the Swiss racer would eventually end the race pointless after a moment in the final stages, combined with a drive-through penalty for exceeding the track limits, ended a difficult afternoon for the 21-year-old.
The real battle, however, lay between Marinescu and Brundle for the final spot with the Brit putting the Romanian under increasing pressure but was unable to pass him leaving Mihai to take the honours.
After being involved with the first lap incident, Jack Clarke drove an impressive race to finish fifth, passing Julian Theobald and Christopher Zanella along the way. Theobald hung on to secure sixth place and a career best result while Luciano Bacheta impressed on his F2 debut with seventh.
Benjamin Lariche, James Cole and Plamen Kralev, rounded out the top 10 but the race belonged to Pineiro who never really looked trouble as he brought his 500bhp car home for his second win and move into fourth place in the drivers’ standings.
Speaking afterwards a delighted Pineiro said: "I knew that the start was very important so I made sure I got to the first corner first and my pace was the fastest out there. I just tried to build up the gap smoothly and make no mistakes and bring the car home and take the win.
"The temperature was quite high outside and to keep your concentration in the high temperature is very tough especially when you’re on your own, you must keep your focus and I think I managed it ok."
Sunday’s qualifying session gets underway at 09:05 (local time) with full coverage on www.formulatwo.com.
Results, Red Bull Ring, Race one:
1. Ramon Pineiro, 26 laps
2. Mirko Bortolotti, +5.401s
3. Mihai Marinescu, +14.153s
4. Alex Brundle, +14.574s
5. Jack Clarke, +26.893s
6. Julian Theobald, +31.358s
7. Luciano Bacheta, +34.381s
8. Benjamin Lariche, +35.115s
9. James Cole, +41.405s
10.Plamen Kralev, +47.603s
For more information on the series click onto www.formulatwo.com
Ramon Pineiro secures pole position in Austria
27.8.2011 von Wolfgang.
Spaniard continues recent good run of form at Red Bull Ring
Ramon Pineiro claimed pole position for today’s (Saturday) first FIA Formula Two race of the weekend at the Red Bull Ring after putting in a late surge to fend off Mirko Bortolotti and Christopher Zanella.
The top three were covered by 0.212 seconds in the closely fought session which also saw the top 10 covered by a mere second. Romanian Mihai Marinescu qualified fourth, with Alex Brundle’s late effort securing him fifth place for today’s round 11 which gets underway at 13:45 (local time). Miki Monras starts sixth while Luciano Bacheta on his F2 debut qualified an impressive seventh.
Once again the drivers’ were greeted with glorious sunshine at the newly revived 4.3km Austrian track with Marinescu leading the way followed by Zanella and Austro-Italian Bortolotti.
By the halfway stage most of the field were starting to pit for fresh rubber before the session was red flagged after Tobias Hegewald pulled up on the approach to Turn 3.
The session resumed with 15 minutes left to play out with Marinescu once again leading the way before a string of changes which saw both Theobald brothers, returning after missing the last rounds at Brands Hatch, enjoy their time at the top of the timesheets.
With just a few minutes of the 30-minute session remaining, the lap times began to tumble with 21-year-old title leader Bortolotti now on top and on course for his sixth pole of the season until a large charge by Pineiro secured the honours in the last few moments.
Speaking afterwards the 19-year-old Spanish pole-sitter said: "My weekend at Brands Hatch was good and has given me a big boost for the rest of the rounds and here is the proof. In qualifying for the last six races I have been on the front row four times, so pole had to come and it’s come here. It’s good because the car performs very well and I have very good pace for the race."
Further down the field, Danish driver Mikkel Mac secured an impressive eighth place with Johannes Theobald in ninth and Benjamin Lariche maintaining his strong form from Friday to complete the top 10.
Jack Clarke was unlucky not to improve on his 13th position after he spun early on and subsequently damaging his tyres. Meanwhile Plamen Kralev was shown the black flag during that session for exceeding the track limits and will start from the back of the field along with German Hegewald.
Round 11 takes place at 13:45 with full coverage, including live streaming, available on the official F2 website.
Results, Red Bull Ring, Qualifying one:
1. Ramon Pineiro, +1:21.946s
2. Mirko Bortolotti, +0.134s
3. Christopher Zanella, +0.212s
4. Mihai Marinescu, +0.572s
5. Alex Brundle, +0.656s
6. Miki Monras, +0.802s
7. Luciano Bacheta, +0.835s
8. Mikkel Mac, +0.878s
9. Johannes Theobald, +0.925s
10. Benjamin Lariche, +0.977s
For more information on the series click onto www.formulatwo.com
