Kevin Mirocha ends Valencia test on top
German finishes fastest ahead of Jolyon Palmer and Dan Clarke

Germany’s Kevin Mirocha set the fastest time of the afternoon as the final day of testing in Valencia drew to a close, the 18-year-old finishing ahead of the British pairing of Jolyon Palmer and Dan Clarke.

Mirocha, who only joined the test for the day, could only manage tenth in the morning session but improved throughout the day to finish fastest with a superb lap of 1:26.633.

Mirocha’s effort deprived Jolyon Palmer of the top spot, but the Briton rounded off an impressive two days by setting the second fastest time, having finished inside the top three in every session in Spain.

Ex-A1GP driver Dan Clarke finished with the third fastest time, less than two hundredths of a second slower than Palmer’s benchmark. It capped an impressive day for the 26-year-old, who had gone fastest in the morning and been running second for much of the afternoon.

Johan Jokinen – who has topped the timesheets for much of the test – could only manage fourth as the conditions and track cooled in the afternoon. It nevertheless ends a highly successful test for the young Dane, who spent the season competing for the Kolles and Heinz Euro F3 team.

Benjamin Lariche improved by more than half a second in the final session to set the sixth fastest time. Impressively all top six finishers went quicker than Robert Wickens pole time of 1:27.488, which he set during the opening round of the 2009 season.

Belgium’s Benjamin Bailly set the seventh fastest time of the day after an impressive run early on in the session. Ricardo Teixeira rounded out the top eight, finishing less than two hundredths of a second faster than Formula Palmer Audi pilot David Rotar in ninth. Jordan King was tenth, the 15-year-old recovering from a spin at Curva 3 to finish ahead of FPA Champion Richard Plant and Poland’s Natalia Kowalska.

Jack Clarke was the only other spinner of the day at the tricky Curva 12, although the Briton was able to continue without suffering any damage to his car.

Official Formula Two Test, Valencia, Day Two (4 December):

1. Kevin Mirocha, 1:26.633s
2. Jolyon Palmer, 1:27.128
3. Dan Clarke, 1:27.183
4. Johan Jokinen, 1:27.226
5. Jack Clarke, 1:27.272
6. Benjamin Lariche, 1:27.316
7. Benjamin Bailly, 1:27.739
8. Ricardo Teixeira, 1:27.991
9. David Rotar, 1:28.007
10. Jordan King, 1:28.470
11. Richard Plant, 1:28.836
12. Natalia Kowalska, 1:29.868                             www.formulatwo.com

Johan Jokinen tops timesheets after day one of testing
19-year-old sets searing pace to finish ahead of Jolyon Palmer and Jack Clarke

Denmark’s Johan Jokinen topped the timesheets after the first official Formula Two test day in Valencia, setting a searing pace in the final session of the day to finish as the only driver to dip under the 1m27s bracket.

19-year-old Jokinen, who drove for the Kolles and Heinz team in F3 Euro Series this year, rarely featured outside the top four all day and backed up an impressive early showing in the morning session by finishing fastest in the afternoon, ending the day just under three tenths of a second clear of the rest of the field.

Jolyon Palmer continued his own impressive form to record the second fastest time, having finished inside the top three in every previous session. 2009 FIA Formula Two Champion Andy Soucek – who was helping to develop the car in readiness for the 2010 season – set the third fastest time, with Jack Clarke and ex-A1GP driver Dan Clarke only fractions behind.

Impressively all five drivers went faster than Robert Wickens‘ pole time of 1:27.488 seconds, which he set when Formula Two visited Valencia for the opening two rounds of the 2009 season.

"It is always great to finish first – that’s what I came here for," enthused Jokinen. "Learning the new car was the greatest feeling, and using the boost was an enormous kick. The car demands a different style of driving to the F3 Euro Series, but it is really fun. I think the whole Formula Two concept is a really good idea, and since I like the car it’s a real bonus!"

Behind the lead quintet Benjamin Lariche steadily improved throughout the day to end sixth fastest ahead of GP2 pilot Ricardo Teixeira. Steven Kane, who like Soucek continues to develop the car for 2010, finished eighth fastest, with Adam Foster and Richard Plant – both of whom tested on the day as part of their prize for their performances in the 2009 Formula Palmer Audi Championship – rounding out the top ten.

The final session was red flagged twice after Jordan King and later Ramón Piñeiro endured spins on the intricate Circuit Ricardo Tormo. King, the youngest driver in the test at only 15-years-old, impressed by finishing 11th fastest overall, whilst Piñeiro finished 13th having topped the morning session.

Speaking after the close of the first day, MotorSport Vision Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer admitted he had been impressed with Jokinen’s early showing. "Johan did a great job today, and I think he surprised everybody with just how quick he was," he said. "He’s certainly showed a great deal of ability after just one day in the car, and I’m sure he could be a real title challenger in 2010 with the target of being Denmark’s first Formula One driver since Nicolas Kiesa in 2003!"

Official Formula Two Test, Valencia, Day One (3 December):

1. Johan Jokinen, 1:26.736s
2. Jolyon Palmer, 1:27.019
3. Andy Soucek, 1:27.317
4. Jack Clarke, 1:27.329
5. Dan Clarke, 1:27.360
6. Benjamin Lariche, 1:27.709
7. Ricardo Teixeira, 1:28.107
8. Steven Kane, 1:28.208
9. Adam Foster, 1:28.522
10. Richard Plant, 1:28.543
11. Jordan King, 1:28.721
12. Benjamin Bailly, 1:29.030
13. Ramón Piñeiro, 1:29.074
14. David Rotar, 1:29.094
15. Parthiva Sureshwaren, 1:29.400
16. Natalia Kowalski, 1:29.641                                         www.formulatwo.com

Soucek gears up for ‚dream‘ Williams Formula One test

Spaniard ready to receive prize for winning 2009 FIA Formula Two Championship

24-year-old Spaniard Andy Soucek has described his forthcoming test in Jerez tomorrow (1 December) for the Williams F1 team as a ‚dream come true‘, and insists he is feeling confident and relaxed ahead of the experience.

Soucek received the test as part of his prize for winning the 2009 FIA Formula Two Championship, which he clinched in magnificent style after taking five wins over the season. He will drive for Williams for the first day of the three day test, after which Nico Hülkenberg – confirmed to drive for the team in 2010 – will take over testing duties.

Soucek visited the Williams factory in Grove last week for his official seat fitting, and admitted he had been delighted to meet the team for the first time. "For me it is like a dream come true, having an F1 team focus on you for an entire day," he explained. "Williams really do set the highest standards, and every detail is examined and catered for – I even had three people analysing how my seat position could improve!

"It’s a big responsibility driving Williams‘ car, and as always I’ll be going out hoping to be fast and do the best job I can. However I’m not putting myself under too much pressure; I’m confident and relaxed more than anything else, and it will just be great to get experience from the test and get reference points of how Formula One works."

Soucek will be joined at the test by some of the best young drivers in the world, including F2 pilot Mirko Bortolotti, who will test for the Scuderia Toro Rosso team. The Spaniard insisted, however, that all the drivers would be judged on more than just their raw speed.

"The test is about an accumulation of factors," he said. "You need to be able to create and build a good environment with the team, you have to deliver good and accurate reports on the car, and of course you have to be quick. If you put everything together, then you have a good test. I’m just going to be myself and be natural.

"I knew I had the test after Imola where I won the championship, so since then I have been training a lot, working on my neck and my fitness. F1 requires you to be in very good physical shape, so I have been working hard. It’s also about your mental state, so I have spent the last few days with my grandmother and family in order to be fully focussed before the test. On Monday I will spend the whole day with my engineer making final adjustments, and then I’m sure the nerves will kick in the night before.

"Overall though I’m feeling very relaxed and confident. I have even had my Stilo helmet repainted with the Williams blue and white colour scheme, and it looks really good. The team made me feel very comfortable, and I can’t wait to get out in the car!"

www.formulatwo.com

Benjamin Bailly signs up for Valencia test
Belgian driver hails ‚fantastic opportunity‘ to drive an F2 car

Promising Belgian racer Benjamin Bailly has joined the list of drivers who will contest the two day F2 winter test in Valencia on 3/4 December.

The 19-year-old has been signed up by the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium (RACB) National Team, who have also pledged their support to current Formula Renault 3.5 champion Bertrand Baguette, who will be testing for the Renault F1 Team in Jerez next month.

Bailly, winner of the Formul’Academy Euro Series in 2009, is looking to move to F2 in 2010 and thanks to the RACB, the talented teenager will climb into the cockpit of an F2 car for the first time during the Spanish test.

"The RACB is delighted to be extending its support for Benjamin," said Secretary General of Sport Geoffroy Theunis. "His results in Formul’Academy Euro Series this season have shown that the winner of the ‚Volant RACB National Team 2008‘ prize has the qualities to become a real hopeful of Belgian motorsport. Our approach involves finding him a championship in which he can continue to progress in 2010. This is why Marc Duez, Benjamin and I recently visited the FIA Formula Two Championship’s headquarters at Bedford Autodrome in England."

Bailly was impressed during his visit to Bedford Autodrome and he is now eagerly awaiting his maiden run in a Williams JPH1 Formula Two car: "It was a very rewarding visit," enthused Bailly.  "I had the opportunity to meet Jonathan Palmer, and look around the facilities that the cars are prepared in – it is very impressive!

"I know the Valencia circuit well and I’ve got great memories of it. I took my first win there at the opening round of the Formul’Academy Euro Series season – it was my maiden single seater victory. I’m delighted to be testing an F2 car although it will be a huge leap forward in terms of experience for me. This test will also allow me to learn the aerodynamic adjustments of a top level single seater car. The FIA Formula Two Championship is very attractive because everyone has the same car and opportunity."

From now until the test, Benjamin is doubling his efforts with regards to his preparation.

"I’ve got a tailored training programme thanks to Christophe Disthexe, the physical instructor for the RACB National Team," concluded Benjamin. "I’m increasing the number of hours of exercise I do. I’m very aware of the fantastic opportunity that the RACB has given to me and I want to increase my chances as much as I can, so that I can test the F2 car in the best possible conditions."

www.formulatwo.com

The successful maiden season of the FIA Formula Two Championship saw Andy Soucek
crowned the first F2 champion for 25 years with a dominant performance that his rivals
recognised was well deserved.
To build on that success, series organiser MotorSport Vision is pleased to announce that it is
working closely with the FIA and Williams F1 in proposing a number of significant advances
for the 2010 FIA Formula Two Championship, to ensure that the championship continues to
provide the revolutionary combination of optimum performance, professionalism and equality
at an exceptionally low cost.
As in 2009, the eventual champion will again receive a full test with the Williams F1 team at
the end of the season.
The 2010 calendar has been expanded from eight to nine events, with two races to be held at
each event to give a total of 18 races for the championship. Eight rounds of the F2
championship will accompany the FIA World Touring Car Championship’s European events,
together with the Moroccan round at Marrakech. F2’s season will open with a major Formula
Two headlining event at the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit.
All races will be televised live by Eurosport, the world’s foremost sports broadcaster, whose
network reaches 69 countries across Europe and Asia. In 2009 more than three million
people on average watched live coverage of F2 events and this will increase in 2010.
MSV has been eager to ensure the price of F2 remains uniquely inexpensive, representing
extraordinary value despite car specification upgrades and the addition of a further race
weekend. The 2010 FIA Formula Two Championship season will therefore cost £275,000
(€300,000*) + VAT. Entries are now open for the grid of 25 cars which is expected to be
rapidly filled.
* Based on an exchange rate of 1.09 Euros to the Pound.

2010 FIA Formula Two Championship Calendar
16/17/18 April Silverstone, United Kingdom
30 April/ 1/2 May Marrakech, Morocco*
21/22/23 May Monza, Italy
18/19/20 June Zolder, Belgium
2/3/4 July Algarve, Portugal
16/17/18 July Brands Hatch, United Kingdom
30/31 July/ 1 August Brno, Czech Republic
3/4/5 September Oschersleben, Germany
17/18/19 September Valencia, Spain
*subject to ASN approval
Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive, MotorSport Vision commented:
"When the FIA announced in September 2008 that MSV had won the tender to design and
build a fleet of new Formula Two cars and operate the championship we knew we faced an
enormous challenge to get 24 cars on the grid for the first race at Valencia.
”Williams F1 did an outstanding job designing our new JPH1 F2 car under the direction of
Patrick Head. Our MSV F2 team headed by Giles Butterfield has worked phenomenally hard
this year to both build the cars and run them so professionally in F2’s first year.
”There is no question F2 has been a great success already. We have had a full grid from the
start to the end of the season. The unprecedented affordability of F2 has meant we have had
drivers from 15 different nationalities competing. F2 has been fiercely competitive with eight
different drivers winning races. Most importantly F2 has enabled the outstanding talent of
Andy Soucek to prove his ability by winning the championship and underline his claim to an
F1 drive.
”However 2009 has just provided us with a solid base from which to aggressively enhance F2.
Key areas that will be addressed for 2010 include a target of achieving 100% car reliability,
greater car performance and team operational efficiency. Our championship will expand to 18
races and yet the cost will still be kept at an extraordinarily low £275,000.
”Early indications are that the 2010 grid will fill quickly with a high quality field of drivers and
that our champion next year will be another talent destined for F1."
Patrick Head, Director of Engineering, Williams F1 said:
"I am pleased to see that the F2 championship in 2009 has been successful and has been
won by the driver who not only had the best speed over the season, but who also was
tactically ahead of his competition.
“Jonathan Palmer is never one to stand still, and amongst many other improvements wishes
to raise the performance of the car by working on all the major performance controlling
parameters; weight, power, tyre grip, downforce and drag.
“2009 champion Andy Soucek will be driving for a full day of our permitted three days testing
allowance for young drivers in December, and I am sure he will perform well. Formula Two
has made a mark in 2009 as a competitive championship, professionally run with equal cars,
but everything can be improved and we intend that this shall be the case for F2 in 2010."
Formula Two Testing Information
Formula Two is running a winter testing programme in Spain and Portugal in December. The
tests are open to any driver, subject to F2 approval:
Valencia, Spain 3/4 December 2009
Portimão, Portugal 11/12 December 2009
1 day: €9,500 + VAT
2 days: €17,500 + VAT
4 days: €30,000 + VAT
Drivers competing in the 2010 F2 championship will participate in five official group test days
(three pre-season and two mid-season).

www.formulatwo.com

Soucek takes dominant second win
Spaniard takes seventh victory of the year ahead of De Marco and Wickens

Formula Two champion Andy Soucek took a dominant second victory in Barcelona, leading almost from lights to flag after jumping Robert Wickens at the start.

Nicola De Marco also passed Wickens on the inside going down to turn one, and held second for the duration of the race. Wickens completed the podium despite heavy pressure from Kazim Vasiliauskas, and in doing so secured second in the overall championship standings. Mikhail Aleshin clinched third overall, and the Red Bull-backed duo both qualify for an FIA Superlicence.

De Marco and Vasiliauskas both made fantastic starts, whilst Philipp Eng dropped down the order after a slow getaway from third on the grid. The recovering Austrian immediately set about attacking Julien Jousse for eighth as the pair tussled throughout the opening laps.

Alex Brundle made a good move by Gachnang to sneak into 12th, as Soucek was building a sizeable gap at the front. De Marco was under pressure from Wickens and the fighting duo had slipped back by more than four seconds after just three laps. Vasiliauskas, Hegewald and Vautier comfortably held fourth, fifth and sixth, as the battle raged on behind for the final points paying positions.

Aleshin held off Jousse while the Frenchman had his mirrors full of Eng and Armaan Ebrahim. Britons Tom Gladdis and Jason Moore were making their way through from the back and the duo both moved by Henri Karjalainen, as Ollie Hancock endured a wild spin at turn eight behind.

There was contact between Jack Clarke and Sebastian Hohenthal on the start/finish straight during lap seven as Clarke closed the door on the attacking Swede. Mirko Bortolotti’s chances of finishing in the championship’s top three ended when the Italian pulled off the circuit late on. Bortolotti experienced a difficult season finale weekend and never looked capable of scoring the points required to challenge his Red Bull colleagues. Hohenthal spun into the gravel and out of the race at turn three and Höing also retired late on.

Back at the front and Soucek had extended his lead to more than seven seconds as the crossed the line for the final time, ending a dominant race and a dominant season for the outstanding Spaniard.

De Marco held off Wickens to take second, as Wickens settled for third in the race and the runner-up spot overall. Vasiliauskas, Hegewald and the impressive Vautier rounded out the top six, ahead of Aleshin who clinched third in the championship race – becoming the first Russian to earn qualification for an FIA Superlicense.

Jousse scored the final championship point of the season ahead of Eng and Ebrahim. Jolyon Palmer and Alex Brundle completed a decent finish to their first season of international racing by finishing 11th and 12th respectively.

The race was a fitting end to a wonderful first season of the FIA Formula Two Championship. Preparations are well underway for the 2010 campaign with winter testing starting in Valencia in just over one month’s time, but for now it is Andy Soucek’s moment – seven time race winner and Formula Two champion.

"I don’t have many words honestly," said Soucek. "It has been amazing. I’m sure this victory is not only the work I did on the championship, I think it is also thanks to a couple of people that have really helped me throughout my career. I had everything I needed to win it, that’s true; nothing was missing. I think I did a good job but everybody surrounding me really pushed hard as well. I have to thank everybody.

"I’ve said already that Formula Two for me is the best championship I’ve ever been in in terms of organisation, and it’s only in the first year. I’m absolutely going to back the championship and be behind it because I really liked it and enjoyed the whole year. I have to congratulate Robert as well to be second because I think he deserved to challenge me for the championship.

"Now I can only say thank you to everybody – seven wins is huge, I think 11 podiums, I don’t know I lost count, and it’s the best result of my career and my life. Hopefully this gives me the chance to be in Formula One next year."

FIA Formula Two Championship – Race Two – Barcelona:

1. Andy Soucek, 20 laps
2. Nicola De Marco, +7.538s
3. Robert Wickens, +9.645s
4. Kazim Vasiliauskas, +10.197s
5. Tobias Hegewald, +14.652s
6. Tristan Vautier, +19.626s
7. Mikhail Aleshin, +21.529s
8. Julien Jousse, +21.892s
9. Philipp Eng, +24.201s
10. Armaan Ebrahim, +25.618s                               www.formulatwo.com

Soucek scores home win
Spaniard storms to victory at Circuit de Catalunya

Andy Soucek has taken his first Formula Two victory on home soil after the newly crowned champion put in a commanding drive during race one in Barcelona today (Saturday).

Mikhail Aleshin took second, ahead of a staggering performance from French debutant Tristan Vautier.

Pole-sitter Robert Wickens made a slow getaway, as Soucek blasted by on the run down to turn one. Aleshin had already taken second as Vautier attacked from behind. The 20-year-old jumped from fourth to third off the line before going side-by-side with Aleshin through turns one and two. Aleshin held on as the recovering Wickens began to put pressure on Vautier.

There was drama behind as Nicola De Marco ran across the grass while Jens Höing spun out of the race at turn two. Jolyon Palmer also had a brief moment after being pushed wide but the young Briton was able to continue at the back of the pack.

The race settled down at the head of the field while there was an intense battle going on amongst a number of British drivers. Jason Moore sneaked up the inside of Jack Clarke on lap four only for the pair to make contact on the exit of turn ten. Moore’s car briefly had two wheels off the ground but both were able to continue after losing positions to a gaggle of cars behind.

Tom Gladdis nipped by Alex Brundle on the same lap to take 14th, as Robert Wickens began to have problems up ahead. The Canadian’s Red Bull-backed car ground to a halt at the exit of turn 11 on lap five. It was a disappointing end to what had looked like a promising race for the talented front-runner.

Palmer was putting in a charge and the 18-year-old made his way by Clarke and Henri Karjalainen during an impressive recovery drive. There was also a good scrap for 11th as De Marco, Ebrahim and Gladdis fought for position. De Marco had already fallen out of the points following his dramatic start and the Italian was struggling to keep Ebrahim behind by the mid-distance stage.

Brundle ran wide, which allowed Sebastian Hohenthal and Palmer to get by but Hohenthal would later ruin his good work by crashing out of the race at the final chicane. Palmer went on to take a well earned 13th after fighting his way up ten places.

With two laps remaining, Soucek had extended his lead by more than four seconds as Aleshin settled for second. Vautier was coming under increasing pressure from his fellow countryman Julien Jousse but the younger of the two drivers was holding on.

Philipp Eng held off Mirko Bortolotti to take fifth, whilst Natacha Gachnang put in her best drive of the season to take seventh – the Swiss female improving upon her ninth place grid position to score her first points finish in Formula Two. Kazim Vasiliauskas took the final championship point, finishing just half a second behind Gachnang.

By the end of the race, Soucek crossed the line 4.389s ahead of Aleshin to take his sixth victory of the season. After intense pressure in the latter stages of the 20-lap race, Vautier held on to take a memorable maiden podium.

“It feels very, very special," said Soucek. "I’ve never had that feeling. Obviously when you win a race you are always happy and I am happier today than I was at Imola when I clinched the championship. I’m negotiating a seat next year in Formula 1, and I think everybody [in F1] is looking carefully at what I’m doing so I really had to perform well."

Tristan Vautier said: “This is my best ever result. I have taken wins in Formula Renault Eurocup and FPA but this is an FIA Championship and it is my first time in the car so for sure, this is the best result of my career so far.”

FIA Formula Two Championship – Race One – Barcelona:

1. Andy Soucek, 20 laps
2. Mikhail Aleshin, +4.389s
3. Tristan Vautier, +7.645s
4. Julien Jousse, +7.980s
5. Philipp Eng, +13.329s
6. Mirko Bortolotti, +13.825s
7. Natacha Gachnang, +16.977s
8. Kazim Vasiliauskas, +17.476s
9. Tobias Hegewald, +19.251s
10. Miloš Pavlović, +24.503s                                www.formulatwo.com

Wickens doubles up in Barcelona
Canadian takes fifth pole of season ahead of Soucek and Eng

Robert Wickens clinched his fifth pole of the year in Barcelona, setting a benchmark time of 1:38.096s in the final few minutes of the session.

He will again be joined on the front row by Andy Soucek, who held top spot until Wickens‘ late effort. Philipp Eng and Nicola De Marco will start from the second row after impressive late runs.

A brief shower in the morning meant the track continued to dry and improve as the session wore on. Mikhail Aleshin made the most of the early conditions, dominating the opening ten minutes and bettering his own provisional pole time on three occasions.

Tobias Hegewald, Robert Wickens and Philipp Eng remained in close proximity to Aleshin, whilst De Marco and Jack Clarke both recovered from spins during an early flying lap.

Almost every car pitted for new tyres with a little over ten minutes remaining and the session would develop into a dramatic final dash for pole. Aleshin was the first to complete a flying lap on fresh rubber and the 22-year-old immediately improved to set a 1:38.470s lap time – the quickest of the weekend so far. The decision to come out early seemed to have cost Aleshin, however, as Soucek bettered the Red Bull-backed driver just a few moments later.

De Marco, Hegewald and Kazim Vasiliauskas all improved after changing tyres, the trio moving into fourth, fifth and sixth respectively. Wickens was the last man to bolt on new tyres and make a final attempt for pole, and the Canadian timed it perfectly to set a phenomenal time of 1:38.096s and clinch his fifth pole of the season.

Several drivers made another attempt on their second lap but none of the notable front-runners improved, as Soucek and Eng held on to take second and third.

Aleshin had been bumped down to seventh at the finish, ahead of further impressive runs from debutant Tristan Vautier and Indian pilot Armaan Ebrahim.

Julien Jousse rounded out the top ten, whilst Jason Moore and Jolyon Palmer again showed well, taking 11^th and 12^th respectively.

"I am delighted," said Wickens. "It goes to show that the championship wasn’t lost through my lack of speed. Since Donington Park the championship has been out of reach and since then I have just been trying to maintain second. It’s good coming into the weekend with a nine point advantage and a win this afternoon will clinch it for me. I went for an aggressive strategy in qualifying and took my third pole position in a row, which is pretty good!"

Andy Soucek said: "It reminds me a lot of Valencia when Robert took two pole positions and I couldn’t get him. This time it is a lot closer however, I have much better pace and I’m sure I can challenge for the win."

Philipp Eng said: “It was quite a crazy session actually. I had a lot of traffic on my second lap which would have been even quicker, but to finish just behind Robert and Andy is a good result."

FIA Formula Two Championship – Qualifying Two – Barcelona:

1. Robert Wickens, 1:38.096s
2. Andy Soucek, +0.067s
3. Philipp Eng, +0.105s
4. Nicola De Marco, +0.223s
5. Tobias Hegewald, +0.247s
6. Kazim Vasiliauskas, +0.318s
7. Mikhail Aleshin, +0.374s
8. Tristan Vautier, +0.392s
9. Armaan Ebrahim, +0.430s
10. Julien Jousse, +0.511s                                       www.formulatwo.com

Wickens takes fourth pole of season
Canadian grabs top spot from Soucek in Barcelona

Robert Wickens clinched his fourth pole of the season in the first qualifying session at Barcelona, edging out Andy Soucek by just over two tenths of a second.

Nicola De Marco continued his impressive start to the weekend by taking third, and will be joined on the second row by Russia’s Mikhail Aleshin.

Soucek led the way in the early stages, ahead of another eye-catching display from Tristan Vautier. The Frenchman was again immediately on the pace as both he and Soucek set their best times in the opening moments of the session.

With the circuit getting continually faster as the session progressed, Wickens took full advantage to set a 1:39.215s time and claim the top spot as the session moved into the final ten minutes. Philipp Eng followed suit, setting the fourth fastest time, only to be instantly bettered by Julien Jousse.

Wickens improved again on his penultimate lap while Soucek and Aleshin seemed to be scrapping for the same space on the circuit. Aleshin was able to improve to take fourth, but Soucek blamed the Russian for spoiling his final few laps. In the meantime, De Marco had sneaked through to take third – his first top three qualifying position since taking pole position in Brno.

Vautier was unable to improve and had to settle for fifth at the finish – a fantastic result in his maiden F2 qualifying session. Interestingly, the 20-year-old’s best three sectors were actually the second fastest behind Wickens. Unfortunately he was unable to complete the perfect three sectors on the same lap but his pace continues to impress.

Jousse and Eng dropped to sixth and seventh late on while Mirko Bortolotti rounded out the top eight. In another extremely close F2 qualifying session, just one tenth of a second separated third to seventh on the grid.

Natacha Gachnang equalled her best qualifying result of the season as she outpaced Kazim Vasiliauskas to take ninth place away from the Lithuanian racer.

Wickens was congratulated during the F2 press conference after the Canadian secured his fourth pole position of the season – the best results of any driver this season.

"From my side the qualifying was pretty interesting," Wickens admitted. "My second best lap was actually on old tyres – all things considered I only went two tenths faster on new tyres, which was probably due to the yellow flags. I’m very happy – the goal here is to beat Aleshin and Bortolotti, and starting on pole position gives me the best opportunity to do that. Obviously I want to do it in race one to get rid of the pressure in race two. The Superlicence is very key to my future and I think starting from pole gives me the best opportunity to get it."

Second place Andy Soucek said: "I don’t know why but I had the feeling before the session that we would not have the perfect strategy. I think I waited a bit too long to go onto new tyres, and then someone spun with four minutes to go and I knew I wouldn’t be able to improve. I’m really looking forward to winning another race; I want to score as many victories as possible, but my pace is very similar to Robert’s so it will all be about the start."

De Marco was delighted with his return to a top three press conference, and the Italian clearly enjoys driving at the Circuit de Catalunya: "I am happy with this qualifying because it is important for me in this last part of the season to get a good result," concluded Nicola. "It’s really fun to drive here in Formula Two, it’s beautiful and I like the circuit very much."

FIA Formula Two Championship – First Qualifying – Barcelona:

1. Robert Wickens, 1:39.020s
2. Andy Soucek, +0.248s
3. Nicola De Marco, +0.396s
4. Mikhail Aleshin, +0.406s
5. Tristan Vautier, +0.426s
6. Julien Jousse, +0.482s
7. Philipp Eng, +0.491s
8. Mirko Bortolotti, +0.634s
9. Natacha Gachnang, +0.640s
10. Kazim Vasiliauskas, +0.687s                            www.formulatwo.com

Wickens heads free practice one in Barcelona
Canadian sets the pace ahead of Soucek and De Marco

Robert Wickens set the fastest lap in the opening free practice session in Barcelona today (Thursday) after seeing off the threat from F2 champion Andy Soucek.

Wickens and Soucek were the class of the field throughout the 30-minute session as the front running duo were the only drivers to dip under the 1:40s mark. Wickens led the way in the early stages before Soucek set a 1:39.568s lap time. His Canadian rival responded with nine minutes of the session remaining, bettering Soucek by just 0.056s.

Having won both races at the season opener in Valencia, Wickens is absolutely focussed on what he calls the ‚Spanish sweep‘, as he looks for a repeat performance at the Circuit de Catalunya this weekend.

Nicola De Marco made an impressive return to form as the Italian completed the top three positions. After a difficult weekend at his home round in Imola, De Marco will be hoping to end his season on a high as he looks to secure a top ten finish in the overall standings.

Frenchman Julien Jousse was less than a tenth of a second behind De Marco in fourth while Philipp Eng was just 0.062s further back in fifth. Kazim Vasiliauskas, Mikhail Aleshin and Miloš Pavlović held sixth, seventh and eighth respectively. All three drivers are still in the fight for second and third in the championship, and the trio will be reasonably satisfied with their steady showing this afternoon.

Jason Moore and Tristan Vautier both ran well in the official F2 test on Monday and the pair continue to impress in Barcelona – Moore taking ninth in today’s session, with Tristan Vautier rounding out the top ten.

There was an early red flag in the session when Natacha Gachnang stopped out on track. Ollie Hancock, Vasiliauskas and Vautier all recovered from brief spins after the session had restarted.

Carlos Iaconelli is unfortunately unable to race this weekend as the young Brazilian is suffering with flu. The remaining 24 drivers will be back on track at 09:40 for the final free practice session, before the first qualifying session takes place at 14:05.

Robert Wickens said: "The week started pretty well during the test on Monday and I have continued with that today. I am still not completely comfortable with the car and I am sure there is more pace to find. It would be nice to win again in Spain and if I could score a pole position then I would more than any other driver. It is nice to show everyone my pace and I am really looking forward to the weekend."

Nicola De Marco said: "The test day did not go so well but I am pleased to be back in the top three. I have been here before with Spanish F3, but it is very fast and lots of fun in an F2 car. I just hope I can go well in qualifying tomorrow."

FIA Formula Two Championship – Free Practice one – Barcelona:

1. Robert Wickens, 1:39.568s
2. Andy Soucek, +0.056s
3. Nicola De Marco, +0.676s
4. Julien Jousse, +0749s
5. Philipp Eng, +0.811s
6. Kazim Vasiliauskas, +0.956s
7. Mikhail Aleshin, +1.168s
8. Milos Pavlovic, +1.203s
9. Jason Moore, +1.211s
10. Tristan Vautier, +1.236s

The final round of the 2009 FIA Formula Two Championship will take place at the Circuit de Catalunya, home of the Spanish Grand Prix, this weekend (29 October – 1 November). Both races will be screened live on Eurosport and at the official website www.formulatwo.com, with live timing and text commentary available for all practice sessions, qualifying sessions and races.

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Soucek tops Barcelona test day
Champion fastest at home circuit ahead of Pavlović and Wickens

Andy Soucek finished the official Formula Two test day at the top of the timesheets today (Monday 26 October) having set a blistering 1:38.910s lap time at the Circuit de Catalunya.

The Spaniard ran in the top five for most of the day but he left it until the final ten minutes of the final session to set his unbeatable benchmark time. The champion’s effort relegated Miloš Pavlović down to second after the Serbian had held top spot for much of the final hour.

Robert Wickens attacked Soucek’s time in the final moments and set his fastest lap of the day on his final tour of the 2.9 mile Grand Prix circuit. The Canadian fell short of the ultimate pace but he set an impressive time on his seventh lap on new tyres, which left him third overall.

Julien Jousse ended up fourth having set the pace during the morning sessions, whilst Mikhail Aleshin improved late on to take fifth. The Russian recovered well following two spins earlier in the day and his effort was good enough to relegate Philipp Eng down to sixth.

Debutant Tristan Vautier remained the star of the show however, as the young Frenchman finished every session inside the top ten. The 20-year-old, who has won six Formula Palmer Audi races this year, settled for an impressive seventh at the end of the day. Kazim Vasiliauskas and Mirko Bortolotti were eighth and ninth, while Jason Moore rounded out the top ten after a productive day of set-up work for the Briton.

Nicola De Marco was just outside the top ten and double race winner Tobias Hegewald had to settle for 12th. Jolyon Palmer moved up the order late on to claim 13th ahead of Sebastian Hohenthal.

Andy Soucek said: "I knew we had good pace but I wasn’t expecting to be that fast. I am still really fired up for this weekend – people are maybe expecting me to just relax and take it easy but I want to win both races for the first time. There is a lot of work to do, but I am fully focussed on taking each session as it comes later in the week."

Robert Wickens said: "I have had a really good day. We have accomplished everything and more in terms of our test programme and I am feeling really confident for the weekend. My best lap was set on the seventh lap with those tyres and I didn’t use the boost so things are looking good for the weekend."

FIA Formula Two Championship – Test Day, Barcelona – Final Session:

1. Andy Soucek, 1:38.910s
2. Miloš Pavlović, +0.304s
3. Robert Wickens, +0.337s
4. Julien Jousse, +0.399s
5. Mikhail Aleshin, +0.440s
6. Philipp Eng, +0.565s
7. Tristan Vautier, +0.584s
8. Kazim Vasiliauskas, +0.698s
9. Mirko Bortolotti, +0.743s
10. Jason Moore, +1.036s
The final round of the 2009 FIA Formula Two Championship will take place at the Circuit de Catalunya, home of the Spanish Grand Prix, this weekend (29 October – 1 November). Both races will be screened live on Eurosport and at the official website www.formulatwo.com, with live timing and text commentary available for all practice sessions, qualifying sessions and races.

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Formula Two heads for season finale in Barcelona

Andy Soucek set to celebrate championship victory at home event

The final round of the FIA Formula Two Championship will take place at the Circuit de Catalunya, home of the Spanish Grand Prix, next weekend (30 October – 1 November), where Andy Soucek will be formally crowned as the first F2 champion in 25 years after a remarkable season. By winning the title Soucek has been awarded a full test with the AT&T Williams F1 in December, and will also qualify for an FIA Superlicence, required to compete in Formula One. The Spaniard celebrated in style by claiming his fifth victory of the year in race two at Imola last month, and he will be hoping to finish his championship winning season on a high in front of his home fans.

The second and third place finishers in this year’s championship will also qualify for an FIA Superlicence, and there’s still everything to play for next weekend as eight drivers are still in contention. Red Bull-backed Canadian Robert Wickens currently occupies second in the standings, but his Junior Team colleagues Mikhail Aleshin and Mirko Bortolotti are only nine and 11 points behind respectively. The trio will also have to fend off the challenge from previous race winners Julien Jousse, Tobias Hegewald, Kazim Vasiliauskas and Philipp Eng, whilst Serbian Miloš Pavlović – who made a welcome return to the podium in Imola – has an outside chance if circumstances go his way.

Jolyon Palmer and Germán Sánchez both scored their maiden F2 points finish in Imola and the duo will be hoping to build on that success in Barcelona. Nicola De Marco and Natacha Gachnang also return to a circuit they know well having competed alongside Sánchez in the Spanish Formula 3 Championship in 2008 – Gachnang will be looking to end her maiden international campaign next weekend by scoring her first Formula Two points finish.

Barcelona will also see 20-year-old Tristan Vautier make his debut in Formula Two, in place of Edoardo Piscopo. Frenchman Vautier joins on the back of a highly successful campaign in Formula Palmer Audi where he scored six race victories and three further podium finishes, taking fourth in the final standings.

An official test session will take place at the Barcelona circuit on Monday 26 October, where all 25 drivers have the chance to gain vital experience on the circuit before free practice commences on Thursday. The final two races of the season will take place on Saturday and Sunday, and Sunday’s race will be followed by a championship presentation for Andy Soucek.

Both races will be screened live on Eurosport and at the official website www.formulatwo.com, with live timing and text commentary available for all practice sessions, qualifying sessions and races.

Tristan Vautier to replace Edoardo Piscopo for Barcelona
Frenchman joins F2 after strong campaign in FPA

Tristan Vautier will make his FIA Formula Two debut next weekend in Barcelona, after agreeing a deal to replace Edoardo Piscopo for the final round.

Piscopo, who currently lies 11^th in the drivers’ standings, is unable to compete in Spain after signing up to contest the GP2 Asia series. The Italian is looking to gain experience before returning to F2 for a renewed title challenge in 2010.

Vautier, 20, has spent the season contesting the 2009 Formula Palmer Audi Championship, in which he finished a close fourth after leading for much of the first half of the season. His tally of six wins – which included a run of four consecutive victories – was the highest of any driver in the series, and he remained in contention for the title going into the final round of the season at Snetterton.

Vautier is due to test at Barcelona along with the other 24 drivers on the Monday, and will have two further practice sessions on the circuit before first qualifying on Friday 30 October.

“This is a very good opportunity for me,” Vautier said. “I’m hoping to race in Formula Two next year, so this is a great chance to learn the car and get an idea of how the championship works and how competitive I can be.

“I’m not setting myself any targets, I’m just focussing on doing my best, learning the car and improving lap by lap. I’ve adapted to different cars in the past but the F2 field is very strong, so I’m not going to set any precise objectives.

“It’s a bit of luck to have an official test day just before the round, as it will hopefully help me get an idea of the car and how it behaves. I’ve raced at the circuit before and I like the track, and I know the organisation well from my season in FPA. I’ve also beaten Kazim Vasiliauskas on several occasions this year in FPA, so my confidence is high and I’m hoping to show the same kind of pace in Spain.”

Formula Two Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer said: “I’m delighted to welcome Tristan to F2 for the final round of 2009. Tristan has really impressed me in FPA this season with his speed, racecraft and attitude, and could easily have won the title.  He knows F2 will be tough but I have no doubt he will do a very good job, particularly with a test day at Barcelona in preparation.”

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