2010 Champion set for welcome return after cancer battle

2010 FIA Formula Two Champion Dean Stoneman will make a welcome return to the series this week when he takes part in the first official F2 test at Silverstone on 28 March – marking his first time in the Williams designed car since recovering from illness.

The 21-year-old from Southampton fought off strong competition from Jolyon Palmer during a thrilling 2010 season to secure championship victory, having achieved six wins and 13 podiums. His reward was a full test with the Williams F1 Team in Abu Dhabi during the rookie tests, where he finished an impressive fifth overall against a very strong field.

Stoneman had then planned to compete in Formula Renault 3.5 in 2011 with ISR but was forced to put his flourishing single seater career on hold when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Since then Dean’s battled with typical spirit and determination to overcome his illness and, after a year out of racing, recently tested a World Series by Renault car and an Indy Lights machine at Las Vegas.

He now hopes to continue his recovery by returning to the familiar environment of F2 and the 500bhp JPH1B car where Stoneman admits he feels at home: “I’m looking forward to testing the new car. I’m still weighing up all options for this year so returning to F2 is a distinct possibility. F2 is a great environment for me to continue my recovery, in a car I know and on circuits I enjoy racing on.”

He added: “We will see how the Silverstone test goes before deciding what to do this year.”

The first official FIA Formula Two Championship test takes place on Wednesday 28 March on the Silverstone GP circuit with full coverage available on the official F2 website. A full entry list for the test will also be announced shortly on www.formulatwo.com

German F3 star eyeing top three finish

21-year-old German Markus Pommer has become the latest driver to announce his participation in the 2012 FIA Formula Two Championship.

Pommer graduates to F2 after a successful campaign in German F3 last season with a hat-trick of podium finishes in the final three races on his way to seventh overall. Last year he also impressed during F2 winter testing in Barcelona to go an excellent second fastest on day two – lapping just 0.014s off the leader’s pace.

Since making his karting debut at the age of eight, Pommer has quickly established himself as one of his country’s most exciting prospects, having been crowned South German karting champion and ICA Junior vice champion in 2006.

After honing his karting skills, the German made the move into single seater racing in 2007 with the Formula BMW ADAC series, where he finished 10th in his maiden season.

In 2008 he graduated to the ADAC Formula Masters championship, taking a win and five podiums on his way to fifth. The following year he stepped up to German F3, finishing a superb third in his first year. Markus has continued to impress in F3 for the past two seasons becoming a regular podium finisher, including scoring four podiums last year, and now hopes to continue this success into F2.

“For me, F2 is the logical step after Formula 3,” said Pommer. “It was great to drive the car during winter testing last year and I was very impressed with the power and features like the overboost. I learnt a lot from the two days and grew in confidence from session to session, as well as demonstrating good pace. My goal is to finish in the top three in 2012. I know it’s possible as everyone has the same chance.”

Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Chief Executive, added: “Markus has enjoyed a great deal of success in his racing career so far and is clearly an exciting prospect, so we’re delighted he’s competing in F2 this year. He adapted to the Williams F2 car remarkably quickly during winter testing and was impressively quick from the outset. I’m looking forward to seeing what he achieves this season in the equal environment of Formula Two.”

For more information on the series click onto www.formulatwo.com

Leading British driver Daniel McKenzie has become the latest driver to confirm his place on the grid for the 2012 FIA Formula Two Championship.

The 23-year-old, who competed with the Comtec team in Formula Renault 3.5 in 2011, first sampled the Williams JPH1B F2 car in Barcelona last December, where he acclimatised himself very quickly, becoming a regular top ten finisher. He was particularly impressive on day two, where he ran seventh quickest overall ahead of many more experienced drivers.

McKenzie began his single seater career in Formula BMW UK and Formula Renault 2.0, rapidly building a reputation as one of his country’s top young prospects. In 2009 he stepped up to British F3, winning the National Class championship at his first attempt with 11 wins and 19 podiums. The following year he contested the International Class in British F3 and was a regular frontrunner, collecting two wins and four podiums on his way to ninth overall.

“I’m really looking forward to this season,” said McKenzie. “I’m certainly not in it to make up the numbers, I want to win and the Williams F1 test is a massive incentive! I enjoyed driving the car during the Barcelona test and once I’d got used to the turbo I found it really pleasurable to drive.”

He added: “The equality of F2 really appeals to me as well, as everyone has the same chance of winning as there’s a completely level playing field. It’s also a very prestigious series that offers great value for money and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”

Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, said: “I’m delighted Daniel is joining the F2 grid this season. His strong performances throughout his career, in particular in F3, have marked him out as one of our leading home grown talents. The equal environment of F2 means he has every chance of being on the pace of the returning drivers from the very start and I expect it won’t be long before he’s achieving podium finishes in 2012.”

For more information on the series click onto www.formulatwo.com

F2 Technical Partner ‘delighted’ to support British racer

Formula Two is pleased to announce that the championship’s Technical Partner Comma Oil will be backing leading British talent Luciano Bacheta when the 2012 season gets underway at Silverstone in April.

The 21-year-old Briton recently announced he’ll contest a full F2 campaign this year after enjoying an impressive part-season in 2011, in which he scored points finishes in all of the four races he entered.

Bacheta, from Brentwood in Essex, now has his sights set on championship glory and the dream prize of a Williams F1 test, and is delighted to have the support of F2’s long-term partner. “I’m very happy and grateful to Comma for choosing to back me this season and also to Jonathan Palmer for his help and support,” said Bacheta. “I’ve already spent some time working with Comma and they have a real passion for the sport and want to get involved with everything I do, and I’m looking forward to working with them.”

2012 will also see Comma continue its role as Technical Partner to Formula Two for a fourth consecutive season. It will also remain the official supplier of all lubricants and chemicals for the fleet of F2 cars.

“We are delighted to be Technical Partner to the FIA Formula Two Championship again in 2012 and that the Comma car will be driven for us by Luciano Bacheta,” said Comma Oil Sales and Marketing Director Mike Bewsey. “First and foremost our motorsport programmes are a way of demonstrating product quality, but we also relish being in a position to help some of the best, British, up-and-coming motorsport talent breakthrough onto the international platform that F2 provides. We were extremely impressed with Luciano’s performance when he joined F2 right at the end of the 2011 season and we predict that he will have a very, very good year. Naturally, as the sole supplier of lubricants and chemicals to the entire F2 fleet, we wish all of the drivers the best for a fast, safe and exciting season but it would be fair to say we might be cheering ever so slightly louder for Luciano!”

Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, added: “We’re very pleased to be extending our relationship with Comma and for them to be backing Luciano, who I’ve known and followed with some admiration for many years. Our experience with Comma dates back to 2007 when we first used their products for our fleet of Formula Palmer Audi race cars and our PalmerSport corporate driving event at Bedford Autodrome. All these vehicles demanded top quality lubricants and chemicals and the performance of Comma’s products has been absolutely outstanding. We had no hesitation in continuing this partnership when we made the huge step up to F2 and now, in our fourth year, we continue to be delighted with the quality and performance their products deliver and are very much looking forward to the season ahead.”

You can also watch a full interview with Comma-backed F2 driver Luciano Bacheta by clicking here. Alternatively for further details on Comma visit www.commaoil.com.
For more information on the series click onto www.formulatwo.com

Bulgaria’s official motorsport ambassador Plamen Kralev has become the latest driver to be announced for the 2012 FIA Formula Two Championship.

After an encouraging debut F2 season in 2010, Kralev continued to challenge for points last year with a number of strong performances, particularly in the second half of the season. His best weekend came at Austria’s Red Bull Ring, where he recorded his second F2 points finish. From the back of the field in race one, he worked his way up the order gaining an impressive 12 places to finish tenth at the flag. He went on to challenge for the points on several other occasions.

For his 2012 campaign, Kralev remains Bulgaria’s official global motorsport ambassador having been elected in 2008 by the National Tourism Agency and is regarded as one of his country’s leading motor racing figures.

Kralev said: “I am pleased to stay in my third year in F2. I believe this is the best championship for me that gives me an opportunity to build on my driving skills. With new Yokohama tyres I hope to deliver and fight regularly in the points and earn top 10 positions.”

Formula Two Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer added: “Plamen first joined F2 in 2010 with very little experience, but has worked really hard ever since and consistently improved his performances, taking full advantage particularly of F2’s data comparison feature to learn from others. I am delighted Plamen will continue to progress his career in F2 this year. He knows podiums will be difficult to come by, but points finishes are a realistic target and something he can be proud of as a very popular ambassador for Bulgaria.”

For more information on Formula Two or Plamen Kralev visit www.formulatwo.com

European F3 Open champion confirms place on 2012 grid

Swiss-Greek racer Alex Fontana is the latest driver to be announced for the FIA Formula Two Championship for 2012, having secured last year’s European F3 Open title.

The 19-year-old impressed throughout 2011 to take the F3 Open honours with two wins, one pole and nine podiums driving for the Corbetta Competizioni team. He also sampled a one-off round of GP3 last season where he finished sixth in only his second race in the category.

More recently, Fontana took part in F2’s winter test programme with two days of running in Barcelona where he was a regular top 10 finisher, ending the second day fourth quickest overall.

Prior to the F3 Open, he competed in Formula Azzurra (2009) in which he finished seventh, the Italian Formula Three Championship in 2010, and has tested Formula Renault 3.5.

Fontana, whose father also competed in Formula Ford races in the 1980s, said: “After the European Formula 3 Open title last year, Formula Two was the natural step for my career. I first sampled the F2 car in Barcelona and found it really fun to drive. I also really like the F2 series and think it will develop me as a driver.”

He added: “People in Switzerland are also very excited and supportive of my venture, just as they were for the great Swiss driver Clay Regazzoni who raced in the early Formula Two and was champion in 1970. Hopefully we will see lots of Swiss and Greek flags, my second nationality, in the paddock! My goals for 2012 are to be one of the main protagonists but we will have to see and take it race by race.”

Formula Two Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer added: “Alex looked really strong last December when he tested the Williams F2 car at Barcelona, finishing just two tenths off 2011 runner up Christopher Zanella. He is a very good driver with a great attitude and I’m delighted he’s made the sensible decision to progress his career in the equal environment of F2 – where he has every chance of winning races.”

For more information on Alex Fontana visit his driver profile here. Further driver announcements will be made shortly on www.formulatwo.com

Briton joins F2 following impressive showing in winter testing

19-year-old Hector Hurst will contest his maiden season in international single seater racing after becoming the latest name to be confirmed for the 2012 FIA Formula Two Championship.

The British driver began racing in karts at the age of 13 before his talents saw him rise through the ranks, impressing in the BRDC Stars of Tomorrow Championship as well as the MSA Kartmasters Grand Prix.

In 2008, Hurst became a finalist on the Formula BMW European Scholarship programme, despite having no previous car racing experience, whilst continuing his progression on the national karting scene. He then elected to sit out much of the 2010 season in order to concentrate on his education.

Hector returned a year later to make his single seater debut in the Formula Renault BARC series driving for Scorpio Motorsport. In spite of his lack of experience and time away, the Brit quickly impressed by scoring a top five finish in his first race. He went on to become a regular top 10 finisher, ending the season 13th overall and one of the leading rookies.

He gained his first experience of the Williams JPH1B F2 car when he took part in two days of winter testing in Barcelona at the end of 2011, running 11th quickest overall on day one before going third fastest in session three the following day.

Hurst, who is based in Lymington, Hampshire, said: “I’m really looking forward to my first season of F2, especially racing at all the top European circuits on the calendar. I really enjoyed driving the car in Barcelona and loved the way it handled as well as how precise it felt. This year is going to be a learning curve for me but I aim to be challenging for podiums as the season progresses and would love to finish in the top five.”

Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Chief Executive, said: "Hector did a fantastic job during F2’s winter testing programme in Barcelona, showing competitive pace from the very start. Whilst F2 is clearly a big step for Hector, F2’s unique data sharing facility enables relatively inexperienced racers to be very close to front running pace, often surprising and impressing with their results. I have no doubt Hector will do just that in 2012.”

Former F1 driver and director of 2mb Mark Blundell, who is Hurst’s manager, added: “F2 is a great proving ground for a young driver and the equality of the championship and data sharing between cars and drivers allows a driver’s talent to show through quickly. This is a big reason why we have chosen F2 for Hector’s next step in his career.”

For more information on Hector Hurst visit www.formulatwo.com or alternatively visit www.2mbsm.com

Lycamobile-backed Indian racer targets strong results in 2012

India’s Parthiva Sureshwaren will return to the 2012 FIA Formula Two Championship after renewing his sponsorship partnership with mobile network provider Lycamobile.

The Chennai-born driver joined F2 in 2010, and after a solid start at Silverstone and Marrakech he scored his best result of the year at Monza, finishing 10^th in race two to earn his maiden points finish. He went on to challenge for the points on several other occasions, notably finishing 12^th at Zolder and 11^th at Portimão.

Last season he became a regular top 15 finisher with impressive drives at the final two rounds of Monza and Barcelona, as well as narrowly missing out on a points finish at Brands Hatch after working his way through the field.

Prior to competing in F2, Parthiva established a reputation as one of his country’s leading talents after success in a variety of national championships earned him a call to represent his country in the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport.

Sureshwaren said: “I am really happy to return to Formula Two after gaining a lot of experience in the last couple of seasons. I feel confident heading into this season as I have a better understanding of the car and am better prepared for it. 2012 is an important year for me so I will work hard to achieve the best possible result. My aim this season is to improve my overall performance by regularly finishing in the points and score some podium finishes.”

Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Chief Executive, added: “I’m delighted Parthiva is back in F2 this year. He had some very strong performances last season, including a superb drive at Brands Hatch in race two where he made up eight places from 19^th on the grid, and I’m quite sure he will build on his experiences in 2012. He’s certainly capable of scoring frequently and securing his maiden podium.”

The opening rounds of the FIA Formula Two Championship get underway at Silverstone on 13-15 April. Further driver announcements will be made shortly on www.formulatwo.com

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

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.

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

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

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

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.
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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
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