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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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Upgraded F2 car makes huge gains in pace
Williams JPH1B betters Formula Renault 3.5 pole time in Portimão

The upgraded Williams JPH1B F2 car has enjoyed a hugely impressive track debut during pre-season testing at Spain and Portugal. The car ran for the first time at Barcelona last Thursday, 28 January, and on the first day of the test programme achieved an impressive 1m 35.7sec best lap – which compares remarkably with the pole position time of 1m 39.0 set by Robert Wickens for the first F2 race at Barcelona last year and the 1m 38.0 fastest time for race two qualifying.

The upgrade package yielded similarly impressive gains at Portimão on 2 February, with a laptime of 1:33.280s eclipsing the corresponding 2009 pole time for Formula Renault 3.5.

Such significant improvements are the result of an extensive upgrade package implemented over the winter by both MotorSport Vision and the Williams F1 team. Among the new features, the car has benefited from a package of aerodynamic revisions following an extensive CFD evaluation programme by the Williams team, increasing maximum downforce by 30% and improving aerodynamic efficiency by 24%.

Despite low temperatures and grip levels, the revisions yielded instant and sizeable gains when the two cars first took to the track in Barcelona last week. Soucek’s personal best of 1:35.770s compared with his best effort of 1:38.163 when F2 visited the circuit in 2009.

The operation then moved to Portimão, Portugal, where the team continued to make significant advances whilst also gathering further valuable information about the new upgrades. Soucek again made substantial improvements, posting a best effort of 1:33.280s – almost three tenths faster than the 2009 pole time for Formula Renault 3.5.

Formula Two Series Director Jonathan Palmer hailed the significant advances the team had made during pre-season testing, saying: "Patrick Head and the Williams F1 personnel working on F2 have done a great job to substantially hike the performance of the F2 car for 2010. In 2009 to achieve the target of making our first race on schedule, development time was inevitably compromised as the design had to be frozen for manufacture quite early.

"The 2010 F2 package of upgrades is the result of many months‘ careful work, particularly aerodynamic modelling with the CFD programme. The team went to Barcelona via Lurcy-Levis in France to do straight line testing, which reassuringly verified the CFD theory.

"It was very encouraging to see such instant pace improvement on the opening day of our test programme at Barcelona. To be 2.4 seconds faster than our fastest pole position time so soon and in less than optimal conditions was pretty impressive."

Speaking after Portimão, Giles Butterfield, Group Head of Operations, was delighted with the progress made: "We made a massive step forward in Barcelona and Portimão, and so early in our test programme that is extremely positive. Our main aim was to evaluate the new aerodynamic package; we weren’t necessarily chasing lap times, but rather an understanding of the car and how it has improved. We were able to gather a lot of very valuable information, and it was excellent to have made such significant gains. To have gone quicker than the 2009 Formula Renault 3.5 pole time at Portimão is great and there are still improvements to come, which is really encouraging."

2009 F2 Champion Andy Soucek was similarly enthusiastic, saying: "We’ve made some massive improvements to the F2 car. When you have more power, less weight and better aerodynamics then the car is always going to be better, but to be so much quicker straight away was really impressive – even more so because the temperatures were extremely cold and there is very little rubber on the surface of the track.

"Barcelona is perhaps the most complete track in Europe to test on, which is why F1 teams love going there, and it really gave us a good basis to set up the car and evaluate the new changes. Overall the car feels similar to drive to last year’s but you can really feel the effect of the aerodynamic improvements and the extra grip they bring."

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Mirko Bortolotti eyeing F2 return in 2010
Italian refusing to be distracted by F1 rumours

Italian driver Mirko Bortolotti says he wants to focus on a potential second season in Formula Two rather than think about speculation linking him with a drive in Formula One.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed a whirlwind 18 months in motorsport, which has included an Italian F3 title, an F1 test with Ferrari, his first F2 race victory in Brno and a further Formula One test with Toro Rosso. Rumours persist that a number of F1 teams are monitoring Bortolotti’s progress, but the Italian is in no rush to make the step up the highest level of the sport.

“F2 is still a major option for me in 2010 and I am not even thinking about F1 at the moment,” said Bortolotti. “I am only 20-years-old and I think it is vital that you are fully prepared in terms of speed, experience and consistency before you make the step to Formula One. You have to have been through it all; you need to know how to be quick over one lap but also consistent over a race distance, you need to know how to turn bad situations into a good one for example. There are so many things that you need to learn and I want to reach Formula One when I am in the right moment of my career. F1 is F1 – it is not a game, so at the moment I am better to focus on learning and improving further for the future.”

Despite his reticence over an F1 call-up in 2010, his recent test with Toro Rosso has certainly whetted Mirko’s appetite for Formula One. “It was a great experience,” he commented. “We had a different programme to the other teams of course, and mainly we were testing parts for 2010 on medium and hard tyre compounds. I would have been able to go a lot faster in terms of lap times but we didn’t get the chance to complete a low fuel run. The most important thing however, is that the test was a real success and the team were very happy with the results.

“It was great for me to have the job of a real F1 test driver – the team had a belief in me and I was trusted with some very important development work, which meant a lot.”

Mirko’s immediate future could consist of a second season in Formula Two after the Italian claimed one victory and a total of five podiums on his way to taking fourth in the overall standings in 2009. The youngster is no longer with the Red Bull Junior Team but he remains confident of securing a race programme for the upcoming campaign.

“Returning to F2 this season is an exciting possibility,” he notes. “We were able to fight at the front last year but I had some bad luck, which meant I probably lost some positions in the championship. It was my first year in international motorsport so finishing fourth was a pretty good season – it can always be better of course, but that’s racing!

“I am looking forward rather than backwards anyway and I really liked being in F2 last season – it is a great concept and a good championship. I know that the car is going to be improved and Jonathan Palmer and the team are working hard to push the championship forward in every way, which is impressive. I really don’t know where I will be in 2010 at this moment, but if I am racing in F2 then I will definitely be targeting the championship.”

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Andy Soucek pleased with F2 car upgrade progress
2009 champion continues to assist with development of the Williams JPH1B

2009 FIA Formula Two Champion Andy Soucek says the Williams-designed F2 car has already made significant improvements as the Spaniard continues to play a major role in developing the car prior to the 2010 season.

The 24-year-old confirmed initial upgrades had resulted in a gain of around one second per lap compared to the 2009 car during recent testing in Portugal. With further advances due to be introduced later this month, Soucek is confident the car will be up to three seconds per lap faster than its predecessor.

“The car is developing nicely and we have already made progress with the set-up, extra power, electronics and the throttle map,” said Soucek. “The car was already more than a second quicker than the others in Portimão and we still have a lot to come, so it is all very positive.

“I am very focussed on developing the F2 car – after one year of knowing the car, the championship and all of the personnel I was very keen to be involved. The programme went really well before Christmas – Giles Butterfield and the team are working really hard and I am enjoying working with them very much. It has been hard work but also very rewarding.”

The 2010 F2 car is set to be dubbed the Williams JPH1B after undergoing a raft of changes over the winter, including an increase in engine power and improved aero efficiency. One of the major improvements already tested is the new high flow Garrett turbocharger, which will raise standard power from 400bhp to 425bhp this season. The new turbocharger will produce an even greater gain on overboost, with power increasing from 450bhp to 480bhp. Other improvements were also tested, but further significant advances are set to be incorporated over the coming weeks.

Soucek will continue his testing duties, alongside regular test driver Steven Kane, when the pair travel to Barcelona and Portimão later this month. The aerodynamic upgrades designed by the Williams F1 team will be available for these tests and the overall weight of the car is set to be significantly reduced. A number of new and improved tyre compounds are also set to be tried and tested.

“I am looking forward to the new aero package and the reduction in weight – I hope that the 2010 car will be around three seconds per lap quicker than last year,” concluded the Spaniard. “We have an important programme in the coming weeks and I am really excited about it. The plan is to improve the car in all areas and I will be proud to be a part of the presentation once it is finished. No matter where I am over the coming years I always want to be a part of F2 – I owe Jonathan Palmer and the championship a lot and I am delighted to be closely involved in F2’s future.”

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£100,000 F2 scholarship prize for 2010 FPA Champion

MotorSport Vision announces the largest prize in British Motorsport

The 2010 Formula Palmer Audi Championship is now launched and offers young drivers an opportunity to win the biggest prize in British motorsport, as this year’s champion will receive a remarkable £100,000 scholarship prize towards a drive in the 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship.

As well as offering a huge financial reward for the 2010 champion, series organiser MotorSport Vision has further enhanced its prize offerings this season to include an official Formula Two test for the top six finishers in this year’s FPA championship. 

MotorSport Vision Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer said: “Clearly the current economic climate continues to be challenging and our philosophy with both FPA and F2 is to provide exceptional affordability, which has never been more important.  Whoever wins the 2010 FPA Championship will be an outstanding talent, most deserving of progressing to F2 en route to their F1 dream, and I wanted to have a championship prize that was going to make a real difference to that driver’s chance of progressing their career.  With our record £100,000 scholarship prize, the cost of a Formula Two season for the FPA championship winner is likely to be around just £185,000, which is an incredibly low sum for an F1 feeder championship.

“Once our 2010 FPA champion is in F2 he will in turn have the chance to challenge for the title and the stunning reward of a test with the Williams F1 team, to help enable him to achieve his goal of a Formula One race drive.”

The 2010 Formula Palmer Audi Championship will take place over 20 rounds at seven UK circuits. Highlights include an outing on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit supporting the British F3 and GT Championships, along with a four race format for the season finale at Silverstone in October. The full calendar will be announced shortly.

Other enhancements for FPA include the installation of new onboard video cameras to all vehicles to aid driver performance analysis.  Jonathan Palmer said:  “We have already pioneered on board cameras in F2 with the drivers being able to have access to all their footage within minutes of a session ending.  Our F2 drivers have found this to be of great benefit in developing their skills.  As part of our commitment for FPA drivers to have the best learning opportunities at the lowest cost we are now extending this opportunity to them.”

The 2010 Formula Palmer Audi Championship costs just £59,500 +VAT and applications for drives are now being considered.

For further driver information please contact James Gornall, Formula Palmer Audi Championship co-ordinator, on 01234 332439 / james.gornall@formulapalmeraudi.com.

Jolyon Palmer tops Portimão test
Young Briton heads Dean Smith and Renger van der Zande

Jolyon Palmer has impressively set the ultimate pace during the final day of Formula Two winter testing in Portimão, Portugal.

The young Briton closed out the final Formula Two action of 2009 with a fantastic display in the second afternoon session. The 18-year-old set a 1:35.519s lap time in the final frenetic 75 minute stint and even came close to bettering his time soon after. He recorded a 1:35.573s just two laps after his pace-setting lap, which would have also been good enough to beat his rivals.  

Dean Smith took second overall on the final day, but his fastest time was set during the morning session. The McLaren AUTOSPORT BRDC Award winner recorded the quickest first sector during the final ‚overboost enabled‘ session, but he unfortunately hit traffic later in the lap. A slight technical problem then scuppered his chances of improving further, but Smith has more than impressed over the two day test in Portugal.

Renger van der Zande improved throughout his maiden day of driving a Williams JPH1, and he put in a stellar lap late on to end up just 0.014s behind Smith.
Kevin Mirocha and Kazim Vasiliauskas were fourth and fifth during another incredibly close test day at the head of the field, as the two drivers dipped under the 1:36s barrier in both the morning and afternoon sessions. Mirocha improved upon his earlier time while Vasiliauskas was unable to beat his flying lap from the opening hour of the day.

F2 debutant Duncan Tappy proved his pace by taking sixth in the final hour, just 0.175s behind Palmer’s ultimate lap. Johan Jokinen has impressed in both Valencia and Portimão – the Danish driver was the only other competitor to record a 1:35s lap time during both the morning and afternoon sessions. Jokinen finished up seventh, ahead of Alex Brundle. The British driver made progress during his two days of running, and he turned in a great lap at the first attempt on his final set of new tyres.

Frenchmen Benjamin Lariche and Tristan Vautier finished ninth and tenth – separated by just 0.006s. Belgian Benjamin Bailly showed considerable speed during the two days, but he dropped to eleventh at the finish ahead of Mihai Marinescu.
Russian racer Ivan Samarin saved his best showing until the end as he jumped above Jonathan Summerton, Jack Clarke and Ricardo Teixeira in the final session.

A delighted Jolyon Palmer said: "It is the first time that I have topped a session in Formula Two so I am really delighted. I have been making good progress recently and the Valencia test also went well last week, but it is a surprise to end up fastest. The lap was just neat and tidy, but I could have actually gone quicker a few laps later. It is about getting the best out of the new tyres and it something I have improved on during the session – it is just pleasing that it all came together this afternoon. It is a great way to finish 2009 and this will give me a real boost going into next year."

Formula Two – Portimão, Portugal – Day Two results (12 December):

1. Jolyon Palmer, 1:35.519s 
2. Dean Smith, 1:35.599s
3. Renger van der Zande, 1:35.613s
4. Kevin Mirocha, 1:35.629s
5. Kazim Vasiliauskas, 1:35.635s
6. Duncan Tappy, 1:35.694s
7. Johan Jokinen, 1:35.712s
8. Alex Brundle, 1:35.952s
9. Benjamin Lariche, 1:36.040s
10. Tristan Vautier, 1:36.046s
11. Benjamin Bailly, 1:36.194s
12. Mihai Marinescu, 1:36.196s
13. Ivan Samarin, 1:36.289s
14. Jonathan Summerton, 1:36.305s
15. Jack Clarke, 1:36.438s
16. Ricardo Teixeira, 1:36.601s

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Vasiliauskas takes the opening day honours
Lithuanian heads Dean Smith and Benjamin Bailly in Portugal

Kazim Vasiliauskas set the fastest time in the final hour of today’s (Friday) test in Portimão to confirm his place at the top of the times.

Dean Smith was second in the final session and second overall, although his fastest time of the day was set during the morning running. Benjamin Bailly was the last driver to pass the chequered flag under the evening sunset, and his fantastic final lap promoted the promising Belgian to third.

Danish driver Johan Jokinen led for much of the final session, but he eventually dropped to fourth after using his last set of fresh tyres earlier than the majority of his rivals. Spaniard Ramón Piñeiro ended the day in fifth overall – the 18-year-old having set his quickest lap time during the opening hour of the morning session.

Russian racer Ivan Samarin had a fantastic final hour as the 21-year-old improved dramatically to take sixth ahead of Alex Brundle and Duncan Tappy. Jose Alonso Liste made progress throughout the day and a late flying lap promoted the Spaniard to ninth, whilst 18-year-old Jolyon Palmer rounded out the top ten.

Jack Clarke and Benjamin Lariche were separated by just 0.005s in 11th and 12th respectively. Reigning Formula Renault 2.0 Suisse Champion Nico Muller was unable to improve his time from this morning and he ended up 13th, ahead of Ricardo Teixeira. The Angolan driver made steady progress during his second run in an F2 car, with his final session time being his best of the day.

Andy Soucek set the ultimate pace during the day but as the F2 Champion is currently testing upgrades for the 2010 car he has been omitted from the times. The final day of the Formula Two winter testing programme gets underway at 9:30am tomorrow.

Kazim Vasiliauskas said: "It was a really good day. I was running down in seventh during the morning but I used that time as an opportunity to try some different things with the set-up of the car. I was then able to go fastest in the first afternoon session and then of course during the final session with the overboost facility so I am happy. After a year in Formula Two these are the kind of results I would expect however, as I am confident of consistently running at the front. The track is fantastic – it is different to anything that I have driven before. It has many challenges but I really enjoyed it."

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Renger van der Zande completes testing line-up
Dutch ace to enjoy maiden F2 run in Portimão this week

Renger van der Zande will contest the second day of Formula Two testing in Portimão, Portugal on Saturday (12 December), completing the 22-strong field of drivers.

The highly rated Dutchman joins F2 testing after a successful 2009 campaign in the British F3 International Series. He was drafted in by Hitech Racing to compete in a number of rounds during the year and impressed by taking three wins and nine podiums from 16 races on his way to finishing third overall despite not completing the season. He also won in F3 Euro Series and took a strong seventh place finish in the Macau Grand Prix – the top finish by a driver from a British F3 team.

The 23-year-old has a wealth of speed and experience, and has represented his nation in A1GP as well as contesting one round of the 2008/09 GP2 Asia Series. He also finished fourth overall in the 2008 F3 Euro Series after scoring two wins and a total of five podium finishes, and has previously won the Formula Renault 2.0 series in his native Netherlands in 2005.

Van der Zande admitted he was excited to be joining the F2 test, and also revealed he is considering competing in the championship next year – particularly given the boost it provided this year to Andy Soucek’s career.

"I have followed Formula Two closely during 2009," he explained. "Jonathan Palmer has a reputation for doing things right and that is one of the reasons why I am really excited about testing the car this week.

"When you look at what the championship has done for Andy Soucek, you can see that it is a great way to raise your profile and show F1 teams what you are capable of. For these reasons, I have to be extremely interested in the possibility of running in Formula Two next year."

The Dutchman is the latest major name to join the final F2 test of 2009 following the recent confirmation of McLaren Autosport BRDC Award Dean Smith, American star Jonathan Summerton and Superleague racer Duncan Tappy.

2009 F2 drivers Kazim Vasiliauskas, Alex Brundle, Jolyon Palmer, Jack Clarke and Tristan Vautier will also be in action, whilst reigning champion Andy Soucek is running on both days as he continues to assist with developing the Williams JPH1 for the 2010 season.

Official FIA Formula Two test, Portimão – Line-up

1. Dean Smith (Formula Renault UK Champion)
2. Duncan Tappy (Superleague Formula)
3. Jonathan Summerton (Formula Atlantic) (12 December)
4. Renger van der Zande (British F3) (12 December)
5. Andy Soucek (FIA Formula Two Champion)
6. Kazim Vasiliauskas (FIA Formula Two) (11 December)
7. Mihai Marinescu (Formula Renault 3.5) (12 December)
8. Ricardo Teixeira (GP2)
9. Kelvin Snoeks (International Formula Master) (11 December)
10. Nico Müller (Swiss Formula Renault 2.0 Champion) (11 December)
11. Alex Brundle (FIA Formula Two)
12. Benjamin Bailly (Formul’Academy Euro Series)
13. Ivan Samarin (Formula 3 Russia)
14. Tristan Vautier (Formula Palmer Audi and FIA Formula Two) (12 December)
15. Benjamin Lariche (Formula Renault 2.0 WEC)
16. Jolyon Palmer (FIA Formula Two)
17. Jack Clarke (FIA Formula Two)
18. Ramón Piñeiro (Formula BMW Europe)
19. José Alonso Liste (Formula Palmer Audi) (11 December)
20. Paul Rees (Formula Palmer Audi) (11 December)
21. Kevin Mirocha (Formula 3 Euro Series) (12 December)
22. Johan Jokinen (Formula 3 Euro Series)

The second official FIA Formula Two test of the winter will commence in Portimão, Portugal on Friday 11 December, with Renger van der Zande set to test on the second day (12 December). Formulatwo.com will bring you all the latest news and reports throughout the two days.

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Jonathan Summerton signs up for Formula Two test
Another major name is added to Portimão line-up

American racer and rising star Jonathan Summerton will join the Formula Two test on the second day of running in Portimão later this week (12 December).

Jonathan becomes the first American to drive a modern day F2 car and he arrives with an impressive portfolio of results. The 21-year-old drove for Mucke Motorsport alongside Sebastien Buemi in the F3 Euro Series in 2006, and took one victory on his way to finishing ninth overall, ahead of his F1-bound team-mate.

A limited budget meant he could only enter selected rounds during the following season, but the Florida driver took a victory for Team USA in A1GP before he returned to compete in the States for the last two years. After finishing third in the Formula Atlantic Championship in 2008, he improved to finish as runner-up in 2009. He had also been a frontrunner in Indy Lights before a lack of finance curtailed his season.

Summerton has already been linked with driving for the USF1 Team who are due to enter the Formula One World Championship. Co-founder of the team, Peter Windsor, said earlier this year: “One obvious thing that came out of America’s involvement in A1GP was Jonathan Summerton, who is very, very good. We know that Jonathan is a Sebastien Buemi-paced driver because he was Buemi’s team-mate in F3, so he’s a guy that’s obviously got a massive amount of potential."

Summerton is now eyeing a switch to the 2010 FIA Formula Two Championship as he believes the championship could be the perfect stepping stone to Formula One.

Jonathan Summerton said: “I watched every Formula Two race throughout the season on TV and I have stayed in touch with the championship. I know Robert Wickens pretty well and I was able to speak with him during the year and get some good feedback. The championship looks great and having the FIA and Williams backing it is really appealing. I am really looking forward to testing the car in Portugal.

“I have been in touch with USF1 for the last year or so and there is good communication between us. They are still looking for a budget next year, which makes things a little tough but they have certainly let me know that they want me. That is also one of the main reasons to look at running in Formula Two – it is a great way to gain exposure and showcase your ability. There is already the test with Williams on offer at the end of the year so to have the chance of working with a team like that is a great opportunity.

“We came back to America in 2008 and 2009 to try and re-raise awareness about my career to the people back home. Trying to find funds to compete in Europe is difficult but we feel that it is time to come back here and keep plugging away.”

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Dean Smith confirmed for F2 test in Portimão

McLaren AUTOSPORT BRDC Award winner to contest both days in Portugal

Reigning Formula Renault UK Champion and recently crowned 2009 McLaren AUTOSPORT BRDC Award winner Dean Smith will contest both days of the Formula Two test in Portimão, Portugal later this week (11/12 December).

It will be Smith’s maiden run in a Williams JPH1 F2 car and it follows a sensational season for the 21-year-old. He scored seven race victories and seven pole positions on his way to clinching the Formula Renault UK title earlier this year, where he stood on the podium a staggering 15 times from just 18 races.

Smith’s name first came to prominence in 2005 when he won the Formula BMW UK Championship after he took three race wins and a total of nine podium positions. He also performed well in the BMW World Final later that year where he raced against current Formula One drivers Sébastien Buemi and Nico Hülkenberg. The young Briton was shortlisted for the McLaren AUTOSPORT BRDC Award in 2007 after he finished as runner-up in the Formula Renault UK Championship. He narrowly missed out on taking the crown then but he returned to win the prestigious accolade at the AUTOSPORT Awards in London on Sunday (6 December).

Smith beat a number of up and coming stars to the award including fellow Formula Renault driver James Calado and Star Mazda Champion Adam Christodoulou. All shortlisted drivers were evaluated by an expert panel of judges following tests in a number of racing cars including an F3 and BTCC machine. Dean was presented with the Award last night by Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton and Damon Hill, before he confirmed his participation in the two day Formula Two test in Portimão.

Dean Smith said: “This is an exciting time in my career. I am delighted to have won the 2009 McLaren AUTOSPORT BRDC Award and I am now eager to evaluate my options for next season, one of which is Formula Two. I am really looking forward to taking part in the two day F2 test in Portimão later this week.”

Jonathan Palmer said: “Dean did an outstanding job in winning the Formula Renault UK Championship this season. I first met Dean when he was first shortlisted for the McLaren AUTOSPORT BRDC Award in 2007 and I was extremely impressed. He was a strong contender for the award back then and I was expecting him to win it this year. I was delighted when he was crowned the 2009 MABA winner yesterday and I look forward to seeing him testing the Formula Two car in Portugal, where I expect him to be ultra competitive.”

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