Spaniard ends day fastest overall ahead of season finale this weekend

Miki Monras led the way during today’s (Thursday) official FIA Formula Two Championship test in Barcelona, ahead of the final rounds of the season.

The 19-year-old Spaniard topped the timesheets with his best time (1:38.279s) coming in the first of four standalone sessions at the 4.655km Circuit de Catalunya – venue for rounds 15 and 16 this weekend (29-30 October).

Newly crowned 2011 F2 Champion Mirko Bortolotti was second quickest overall with the Italian, like most of the F2 drivers, setting his best time early on during dry track conditions before rain hit for the final two stints.

Brit Alex Brundle, who picked up his third podium of the year in Monza last time out, was third fastest for the day followed by Dutchman Kelvin Snoeks and Frenchman Benjamin Lariche.

Jack Clarke, who had also looked quick all day, ended sixth just in front of Tobias Hegewald, Mihai Marinescu, Mikkel Mac and Thiemo Storz.

Heavy rain in the afternoon sessions meant drivers were unable to improve their times but it did give them vital wet running testing before tomorrow’s (Friday) first free practice session which gets underway at 10:20 (local time).

Speaking afterwards Monras, who currently lies fourth in the drivers’ standings, said: “We’ve had a really good day and was quick in both the wet and dry which is good because the weather forecast is mixed for this weekend. I’m really confident heading into the final rounds and really want to give my best, especially with it being my home track that I know well and have a lot of people supporting me.”

F2 Official testing – Barcelona, combined session times:

1. Miki Monras, 1:38.279s
2. Mirko Bortolotti, +0.193s
3. Alex Brundle, +0.958s
4. Kelvin Snoeks, +1.117s
5. Benjamin Lariche, +1.144ss
6. Jack Clarke, +1.353s
7. Tobias Hegewald, +1.488s
8. Mihai Marinescu, +1.512s
9. Mikkel Mac, +1.934s
10. Thiemo Storz, +2.348s

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

Organisers of the FIA Formula Two Championship have today (Thursday) released the dates of its winter testing programme to help select drivers for 2012, beginning with its first ever visit to the popular F1 test venue of Jerez.

Held shortly after the F2 season finale in Barcelona next week (28-30 October), the test programme will be run for both existing and prospective drivers looking to contest next year’s series.

The first two-day session gets underway at the Circuito de Jerez on 28/29 November. This is followed by a further two days on 13/14 December in Barcelona, home of the Spanish Grand Prix.

All drivers will receive a full briefing by the F2 engineers to aid their understanding of the 500bhp JPH1B car. Along with data comparison, live timing and onboard video analysis, drivers will also receive two sets of new tyres per day.

F2 Championship Coordinator James Gornall said: “We have only just announced the dates of our winter test programme but we have already received a great deal of interest from both current and new drivers. Like the main series, we’ve selected F1 graded circuits and our unique data comparison facility will ensure maximum learning opportunity ahead of the 2012 season.”

2011 FIA Formula Two Championship – Winter Testing

Jerez, Spain 28/29 November

Barcelona, Spain 13/14 December

For more information on winter testing contact the Championship Co-ordinator James Gornall at james.gornall@formulatwo.com or on 0044 1234 332439. Alternatively for further details on the winter programme visit http://www.formulatwo.com/2011-winter-testing.aspx

MotorSport Vision is pleased to announce that it will once again play an important role in enabling the worthy winner of the 23rd McLaren Autosport BRDC Award to be selected by supplying six Williams JPH1B F2 cars for the driver assessment programme at Silverstone circuit in November.

The utilisation of the F2 cars for the first time last year played a major role in upgrading the evaluation process by providing sufficient cars to enable all six finalists to be assessed on track at the same time during the judging procedure – something that had proved impossible in the past when drivers would share two or three F3 cars, inevitably often driving in the differing weather and track conditions that prevail in November. F2 will once again supply six identical 500bhp F2 cars, together with full engineering support, for this year’s award.

As with previous years, the award finalists have been selected by a panel of experts following proposals by Autosport readers, with the candidates being Emil Bernstorff, Tom Blomqvist, Alex Lynn, Scott Malvern, Oliver Rowland and Dino Zamparelli.

The overall winner will then be announced in December at the Autosport Awards, UK motorsport’s spectacular annual celebration at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, where an F2 car will be on display alongside McLaren’s current F1 machine. The 2011 McLaren Autosport BRDC Award winner will receive a McLaren Formula One test and a prize of £100,000 towards the driver’s 2012 racing budget.

Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, said: “We are pleased to be providing the main race cars in which the finalists can be evaluated. The McLaren Autosport BRDC Award is hugely prestigious and given just how high the level of talent is, it is crucial that the cars the finalists drive are as identical as possible. Only F2 can provide such outstanding equality of machinery, which feature a substantial power increase to 450bhp – around double that that most finalists are familiar with. Use of the overboost button will also be included, providing up to 500bhp.”

The switch to F2 cars was widely praised by the judging panel in 2011, which includes former F1 racer and BRDC president Derek Warwick, two-time BTCC champion Jason Plato and DTM ace Jamie Green, as, for the first time, the six finalists had the opportunity to showcase their talent on a completely level playing field in identical machinery.

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

F2 racer secures prize test drive with the Williams F1 Team at home round

Italian driver Mirko Bortolotti has clinched the 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship in style at the Monza circuit in Italy today (Sunday 2 October), taking a dominant victory in round 14 to secure the title and a prize test drive with the Williams Formula One team.

The 21-year-old secured the F2 title on home soil and with one round of the season remaining, following in the footsteps of 2009 winner Andy Soucek and last year’s champion Dean Stoneman.

As his prize for claiming the Formula Two crown, Bortolotti will earn a full test with the Williams F1 team at Abu Dhabi in November. He will also qualify for an FIA Superlicence, required to compete in Formula One Grands Prix.

Bortolotti headed into this weekend with a 60-point advantage over his nearest rival Christopher Zanella. After a superb second place in race one, he needed just two points from today’s contest, which he started from pole position.

He duly wrapped up the title in dramatic fashion by recording a lights-to-flag victory, his fifth of the season so far, in front of his home fans.

Mirko Bortolotti said: “I don’t have words to explain how I feel right now, I think I have to realise it. I’m just so happy. It’s just amazing for me. I cannot say anything else, all I can say is that we did a good job, the car was perfect and I have to send my congratulations to the whole F2 team because obviously they are doing a great job.”

Looking ahead Bortolotti said: “I don’t know what’s going to happen for 2012, we will have see. First of all I have to think about my Williams F1 test, and we’ve got another F2 race in Barcelona too. I managed to win this prize so I will try to prepare myself as best as I can. I had the luck in the past to get some Formula One tests so maybe that could help me but of course everything changed this year so it will be interesting to learn all the new parts that the Formula One car has and try to give the best I can and enjoy the day.”

He added: “We will be celebrating for sure! We are in Italy so to win the championship here is obviously a dream come true and for sure I will party tonight!

Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, said: “Mirko has done an absolutely superb job this season and is a very worthy 2011 F2 champion. From the opening round at Silverstone, he has shown outstanding talent and pace in a very competitive field and has really dominated since then, sealing the championship with one round still remaining. I am very confident he is going to make a big impression when he claims his Williams F1 test drive in Abu Dhabi, and that F2’s high standard of competition has given him the best possible preparation for the next step in his career.”

Sir Frank Williams, Founder and Team Principal, added: “Mirko Bortolotti is another worthy winner of the F2 Championship. We have obviously followed his progress this season and witnessed some impressive performances, including points-scoring finishes in every round and five race wins. We are sure Mirko will learn a lot from the test day he now has with us in Abu Dhabi later this year and we look forward to seeing what he can do in a Formula One car."

The 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship continues later this month with the final round in Barcelona where the fight for the two runner-up spots, where both receive a GP2 test, remains very close.
For more information on the series click onto www.formulatwo.com

Plamen Kralev goes head-to-head with MiG-29 during Bulgarian air show

The 500bhp of the JPH1B Williams F2 car impressed in one of its toughest challenges yet recently when it went head-to-head in a drag race with a 22,220bhp MiG-29 fighter jet!

The spectacular contest took place as part of the Bulgarian BIAF 2011 air show, celebrating 100 years’ of the nation’s aviation history. FIA Formula Two racer Plamen Kralev was invited to pilot the F2 car being a local driver and also one of Bulgaria’s leading motorsport figures, having been elected in 2008 by the National Tourism Agency as his country’s official global motorsport ambassador.

Using a clear runaway, the two power houses took part in a 600 metre race and, even though the F2 car had a slow getaway due to cold tyres, it was just able to clinch victory by a narrow margin.

Although the Russian-built fighter plane is capable of accelerating from 0 to 250 km/h in less than 500m, it is designed to be fast when airborne, and so struggled on the ground against the acceleration power of the F2 car, which is capable of reaching 100 km/h in 2.1 seconds.

The event also marked the first time an F2 car has visited Bulgaria while Plamen himself got to meet Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borisov.

Plamen, and the rest of the F2 field, is next in action for rounds 13 and 14 of the 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship in Monza from 30 September – 2 October.

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

Spaniard takes lead from Zanella as Bortolotti strengthens championship charge

Ramon Pineiro stormed to a third successive victory after winning today’s (Sunday) second FIA Formula Two race at the Red Bull Ring.

The young Spaniard took the lead from pole-sitter Christopher Zanella at Turn 2 on the first lap, and in similar style to yesterday, went on to build a comfortable lead to take the chequered flag. Mirko Bortolotti further strengthened his championship charge with a second place while Romanian Mihai Marinescu claimed his second successive podium finish.

Zanella, starting on pole after Mirko Bortolotti’s post-qualifying penalty, made a good start, but Pineiro attacked the Swiss driver into Turn 2, with Zanella subsequently going wide. 19-year-old Pineiro then took the lead while Bortolotti also found his way past into second.

Throughout the 26-lap race, Pineiro regularly had a lead of around two seconds, although Bortolotti showed threatening pace at the end of the race, setting the fastest lap to close within 1.2 seconds of the Spaniard.

Mihai Marinescu also capitalised on Zanella running wide at Turn 1 to move into third place where he stayed untroubled for the rest of the race while 21-year-old Zanella was forced to settle for fourth, just ahead of Kelvin Snoeks who made up three palces to round out the top five.

After being caught up in the first corner incident involving Armaan Ebrahim, Tobias Hegewald brought his JPH1B car home in sixth place ahead of Russian Max Snegirev who equalled his best ever result of seventh.

Frenchman Benjamin Lariche rounded off a strong weekend to secure yet another points finish at the 4.3km Austrian track with eighth place with Mikkel Mac came home in ninth. British F2 newcomer Luciano Bacheta enjoyed yet another points finish on his debut to round out the top 10 and made even more impressive given he started the race in 15th position.

Meanwhile, there was less luck for the rest of the British drivers with Jack Clarke and Alex Brundle being forced to retire after being caught up in separate incidents at the first corner, with James Cole also dropping down the order due to brake issues.

Despite starting from the back of the field Theimo Storz drove a superb race to claim 14th position while Spaniard Miki Monras endured yet more bad luck to drop to 11th after spinning early on.

A post-race investigation by the stewards also saw Plamen Kralev handed a five place grid penalty at the next F2 rounds for overtaking under a yellow flag.

Speaking afterwards race winner Pineiro said: "I think this was the hardest race I’ve won because I just built up a two second gap and then Mirko and Mihai were just doing qualifying laps every single lap and I knew just one mistake would bring them even closer. So it was very hard to stay consistent and stay on the limit, which is the hardest thing to do but I could manage it and take the win back home."

The next rounds (13 and 14) of the 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship take place at Monza on 30 September to 2 October.

Results, Red Bull Ring, Race two:

1. Ramon Pineiro, 26 laps
2. Mirko Bortolotti, +1.204s
3. Mihai Marinescu, +9.920s
4. Christopher Zanella, +12.709s
5. Kelvin Snoeks, +20.818s
6. Tobias Hegewald, +24.689s
7. Max Snegirev, +30.592s
8. Benjamin Lariche, +33.186s
9. Mikkel Mac, +33.537s
10. Luciano Bacheta, +35.887s

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

Spanish teenager wins opening F2 race in Austria

Ramon Pineiro secured his second successive win in the FIA Formula Two Championship after dominating the first race at the Red Bull Ring today (Saturday).
The 19-year-old Spaniard started on pole, made a great start and never looked back as he comfortably built a lead at the front. Austro-Italian Mirko Bortolotti finished second to increase his lead at the top of the drivers‘ standings, while Mihai Marinescu finally claimed his maiden F2 podium after holding off a charging Alex Brundle.

There was drama right from the very first corner of the 26 lap race when Johannes Theobald made contact with Brit Jack Clarke and newcomer Rene Binder causing the German to go airborne in the braking zone for turn one and rolled before coming to rest the right way up. Despite the severity of the incident, Theobald immediately stepped out of the car, demonstrating the safety of the JPH1B car.

The action continued at the same corner on the second lap of the race, as Miki Monras and Mikkel Mac collided while braking, forcing both out of the race and severely damaging the Spaniard’s title hopes.

As the race continued, Pineiro continued to pull away with Bortolotti following but unable to mount a challenge. Christopher Zanella, who had started the race third, was now running in fifth but the Swiss racer would eventually end the race pointless after a moment in the final stages, combined with a drive-through penalty for exceeding the track limits, ended a difficult afternoon for the 21-year-old.

The real battle, however, lay between Marinescu and Brundle for the final spot with the Brit putting the Romanian under increasing pressure but was unable to pass him leaving Mihai to take the honours.

After being involved with the first lap incident, Jack Clarke drove an impressive race to finish fifth, passing Julian Theobald and Christopher Zanella along the way. Theobald hung on to secure sixth place and a career best result while Luciano Bacheta impressed on his F2 debut with seventh.

Benjamin Lariche, James Cole and Plamen Kralev, rounded out the top 10 but the race belonged to Pineiro who never really looked trouble as he brought his 500bhp car home for his second win and move into fourth place in the drivers‘ standings.

Speaking afterwards a delighted Pineiro said: "I knew that the start was very important so I made sure I got to the first corner first and my pace was the fastest out there. I just tried to build up the gap smoothly and make no mistakes and bring the car home and take the win.

"The temperature was quite high outside and to keep your concentration in the high temperature is very tough especially when you’re on your own, you must keep your focus and I think I managed it ok."

Sunday’s qualifying session gets underway at 09:05 (local time) with full coverage on www.formulatwo.com.

Results, Red Bull Ring, Race one:

1. Ramon Pineiro, 26 laps
2. Mirko Bortolotti, +5.401s
3. Mihai Marinescu, +14.153s
4. Alex Brundle, +14.574s
5. Jack Clarke, +26.893s
6. Julian Theobald, +31.358s
7. Luciano Bacheta, +34.381s
8. Benjamin Lariche, +35.115s
9. James Cole, +41.405s
10.Plamen Kralev, +47.603s

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

Spaniard continues recent good run of form at Red Bull Ring

Ramon Pineiro claimed pole position for today’s (Saturday) first FIA Formula Two race of the weekend at the Red Bull Ring after putting in a late surge to fend off Mirko Bortolotti and Christopher Zanella.

The top three were covered by 0.212 seconds in the closely fought session which also saw the top 10 covered by a mere second. Romanian Mihai Marinescu qualified fourth, with Alex Brundle’s late effort securing him fifth place for today’s round 11 which gets underway at 13:45 (local time). Miki Monras starts sixth while Luciano Bacheta on his F2 debut qualified an impressive seventh.

Once again the drivers‘ were greeted with glorious sunshine at the newly revived 4.3km Austrian track with Marinescu leading the way followed by Zanella and Austro-Italian Bortolotti.

By the halfway stage most of the field were starting to pit for fresh rubber before the session was red flagged after Tobias Hegewald pulled up on the approach to Turn 3.

The session resumed with 15 minutes left to play out with Marinescu once again leading the way before a string of changes which saw both Theobald brothers, returning after missing the last rounds at Brands Hatch, enjoy their time at the top of the timesheets.

With just a few minutes of the 30-minute session remaining, the lap times began to tumble with 21-year-old title leader Bortolotti now on top and on course for his sixth pole of the season until a large charge by Pineiro secured the honours in the last few moments.

Speaking afterwards the 19-year-old Spanish pole-sitter said: "My weekend at Brands Hatch was good and has given me a big boost for the rest of the rounds and here is the proof. In qualifying for the last six races I have been on the front row four times, so pole had to come and it’s come here. It’s good because the car performs very well and I have very good pace for the race."

Further down the field, Danish driver Mikkel Mac secured an impressive eighth place with Johannes Theobald in ninth and Benjamin Lariche maintaining his strong form from Friday to complete the top 10.

Jack Clarke was unlucky not to improve on his 13th position after he spun early on and subsequently damaging his tyres. Meanwhile Plamen Kralev was shown the black flag during that session for exceeding the track limits and will start from the back of the field along with German Hegewald.

Round 11 takes place at 13:45 with full coverage, including live streaming, available on the official F2 website.

Results, Red Bull Ring, Qualifying one:

1. Ramon Pineiro, +1:21.946s
2. Mirko Bortolotti, +0.134s
3. Christopher Zanella, +0.212s
4. Mihai Marinescu, +0.572s
5. Alex Brundle, +0.656s
6. Miki Monras, +0.802s
7. Luciano Bacheta, +0.835s
8. Mikkel Mac, +0.878s
9. Johannes Theobald, +0.925s
10. Benjamin Lariche, +0.977s
For more information on the series click onto www.formulatwo.com

Title leader shows dominance in second Red Bull Ring practice session

Mirko Bortolotti continued to dominate the first day (Friday) of the FIA Formula Two Championship’s inaugural visit to the Red Bull Ring by topping the timesheets in the second free practice session.

After setting the fastest time in this morning’s 45-minute stint, the 21-year-old Austro-Italian headed the timesheets once again, this time posting a best time of 1:22.904s – a full half a second quicker than his nearest rival.

That transpired to be Mihai Marinescu who again looked quick to go second fastest while Benjamin Lariche produced a season best performance with third. Ramon Pineiro, who picked up his maiden win last time out at Brands Hatch, went fourth fastest with German Tobias Hegewald completing the top five.

With the sun still beating down and temperatures touching 35 degrees, Dutchman Kelvin Snoeks was the first driver to be on the pace lapping in the 1min 24s with Bortolotti and Christopher Zanella not far behind him.

Bortolotti then re-established his place at the top to lead the 22 car field before Korean driver Sunghak Mun produced a stunning time to briefly run quickest before eventually finishing the session a career best sixth.

Alongside Mun, Lariche was also on the pace, temporarily topping the timesheets before being edged out to third place.

Brit Alex Brundle, who recently celebrated his 21st birthday, ended the session seventh just ahead of Swiss driver Christopher Zanella. Snoeks, fresh from performing at the Bavaria City Racing Event, was ninth fastest with Spaniard Miki Monras improving on his morning pace to round out the top 10.

However, the session did see several drivers have their lap times deleted for exceeding the track limits.

Tomorrow’s first qualifying session takes place at 09:45 with full coverage on the official F2 website.

Results: Red Bull Ring – Free practice two:

1. Mirko Bortolotti, 1:22.904s
2. Mihai Marinescu, +0.534s
3. Benjamin Lariche, +0.750s
4. Ramon Pineiro, +0.879s
5. Tobias Hegewald, +0.891s
6. Sunghak Mun, +0.914s
7. Alex Brundle, +1.004s
8. Christopher Zanella, +1.161s
9. Kelvin Snoeks, +1.222s
10. Miki Monras, +1.232s

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

British driver joins F2 field this weekend in Austria

Top British racing talent Luciano Bacheta today (Tuesday) announced he is to switch to the FIA Formula Two Championship after sampling this year’s GP3 Series.

The highly experienced Brit, who was one of six finalists for the 2010 McLaren Autosport BRDC Award, will make his F2 debut during rounds 11 and 12 at Austria’s newly revived Red Bull Ring on 26-28 August.

Bacheta brings with him a wealth of single-seater experience and race wins including finishing as runner-up in last year’s Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup with six podiums and one win to his name. This was preceded by further successful seasons in both the FRenault 2.0 series and the Formula Renault 2.0 WEC. In 2007 he competed in the Formula Palmer Audi championship, securing four race wins and nine podiums on his way to third overall.

As well as a proven career in karting, the 21-year-old has raced in the Ginetta GT Junior Championship and he enjoyed instant success before going on to compete in the BRSCC T-Cars Championship with the PalmerSport Junior Team, taking the championship in convincing style with six wins, three pole positions and 11 podiums.

This season he has been competing in the GP3 Series 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 ahead of his F2 debut Bacheta said: “I’m really looking forward to racing in F2 in Austria and although I’ve never competed at the track before, neither have most of the F2 field so I think it’s a good place for me to make my debut. Having tested the car before I now feel comfortable with its power and acceleration, although it did come as a bit of a surprise when I first drove it! My goal is simply to do the best job I can and hopefully get in the top 10.”

Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, added: “We’re delighted to be welcoming Luciano to Formula Two. He’s someone we’ve known and followed for many years and has impressed me since his early days in T-Cars. During his first F2 test in Valencia last year he looked very impressive and was amongst the quickest drivers from the day. He also sampled the JPH1B car during the assessment process for the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award, so I expect he’ll quickly rise to the big challenge of F2 and be amongst the front-runners from the very start.”

The next rounds of the 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship take place from 26-28 August at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria. For more information on Luciano visit the F2 website or click on www.lucianobacheta.com.

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

Austrian driver adds F2 programme

Austrian driver Rene Binder will make his FIA Formula Two Championship debut at the weekend, racing on home soil when the series visits the new Red Bull Ring.

The 19-year-old, from Tirol in Austria, will join the rest of the packed F2 field for rounds 11 and 12 at the newly rebuilt Spielberg circuit on 26-28 August.

Binder joins F2 on the back of his second season in the German Formula Three Championship – currently titled the ATS Formel 3 Cup – where he’s presently eighth in the drivers’ standings having secured three points finishes so far together with a podium. Prior to this Binder finished 12th in the 2010 F3 Cup, Germany’s fastest single-seater series, racing with Motopark Academy securing a podium along with two points finishes.

In 2007 and 2008 he competed in the German Junior Kart Championship, finishing third and second respectively before beginning his car racing career in the ADAC Formel Masters, ending his maiden season seventh overall with three podium finishes.

Speaking ahead of the weekend Binder said: “I’m really excited about racing at the Red Bull Ring. I competed there earlier this month which went well and it means I already know the track which I think will be a big help to me. I’ve not really had much chance to get to grips with the car but from the time I’ve had it felt nice to drive and is very different to anything else I’ve raced. At the moment I’m just competing in Austrian rounds but if things go well F2 is certainly a possibility for me next year.”

Formula Two Series Director Jonathan Palmer added: “We’re very pleased to be welcoming Rene to F2 this weekend. Getting to grips with the 500bhp F2 car will certainly be a challenge but his impressive showing in the F3 Cup, which boasts Michael Schumacher and eight-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen among its former champions, should hopefully help him be on the pace early on and even challenge for top 10 results as the weekend progresses.”

Rounds 11 and 12 of the FIA Formula Two Championship take place on 26-28 August at Austria’s Red Bull Ring with full coverage, including live streaming, on the official F2 website.

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

Spanish youngster makes superb start to beat Bortolotti to victory

Spanish newcomer Ramon Pineiro secured his maiden FIA Formula Two win after dominating today’s (Sunday) thrilling race at the legendary Brands Hatch GP circuit.

The 19-year-old, racing in his first year in F2, made a superb start to beat pole-sitter Mirko Bortolotti off the line and lead the packed field into the first corner where he remained until the end of the race.

As Pineiro led the way off the line, Bortolotti had to fend off the attentions of race one winner Jack Clarke, who again made a rapid start from third place on the grid and tried a move up the inside of Paddock Hill Bend but was forced out by the Italian.

With the top three pulling away, Romanian Mihai Marinescu spent much of the race fending off German Tobias Hegewald with the two finishing fourth and fifth respectively.

Meanwhile, title challenger Christopher Zanella was trying hard to improve on his ninth place grid slot, working his way up the field to seventh but was then unable to pass Armaan Ebrahim ahead. Ebrahim’s sixth spot was also his best result of the 2011 season and his second points finish of the weekend, with his race including a great battle involving Max Snegirev.

Miki Monras was looking on course for a secure fourth place but a spin at Westfield dropped him down the field, fighting his way back to ninth at the flag and passing Brit James Cole and Mikkel Mac along the way before battling with Jordan King. The 19-year-old Spaniard eventually finished ninth just behind Frenchman Benjamin Lariche who enjoyed one of his best weekends to date.

Alex Brundle endured another difficult race with two trips through the gravel early on at both Paddock Hill Bend and Sheene to run at the tail of the field.

At the front, however, Pineiro was largely untroubled and gradually extended a comfortable lead which eventually stabilised at over two seconds. The winning margin was 1.4 seconds, mainly due to Pineiro easing off towards the end to bring his car home.

21-year-old Bortolotti finished second to maintain his lead in the drivers‘ standings with Clarke claiming third spot and rounding off a fantastic weekend for the Brit on home soil.

Speaking afterwards a delighted Pineiro said: "It’s just fantastic. Coming from a series of disasters that have happened all the way through to then turn it around at Brands Hatch, both yesterday and the win today, is just great and a boost for the next rounds."

The next rounds of the 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship take place at the Red Bull Ring in Austria on 26-28 August.

Brands Hatch, race two, results:

1. Ramon Pineiro, 28 Laps
2. Mirko Bortolotti, +1.484s
3. Jack Clarke, +3.511s
4. Mihai Marinescu, +21.605s
5. Tobias Hegewald, +25.736
6. Aramaan Ebrahim, +31.305s
7. Christopher Zanella, +31.745s
8. Benjamin Lariche, +38.710s
9. Miki Monras, +39.362s
10. Jordan King, +39.920s

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Bratt and Zanella finish on the podium to keep up title pressure

Mirko Bortolotti completed a clean sweep in the FIA Formula Two Championship at the Nürburgring today (Sunday), following up this morning’s pole position with another well-judged victory and fastest lap. The Austro-Italian’s domination of the Eifel circuit gives him a handy lead over Christopher Zanella in the championship at the halfway point.

Bortolotti’s Swiss championship rival drove another canny race to finish third behind Will Bratt, who kept the pressure on the leader for much of the distance.

21-year-old Bortolotti held his lead into the first corner, with Bratt following him out of the stadium section in second. Meanwhile the German pairing of Tobias Hegewald and Johannes Theobald lay in third and fourth positions as Zanella, Mikkel Mac and Alex Brundle followed closely behind.

Whilst the top three started to make a getaway, Johannes was unable to respond and a queue of cars formed behind him. Zanella soon found a way past and Brundle was next to attack. However, his late move at the chicane tipped the German into the air with his car rolling twice before becoming beached at the scene and leading to the championship’s first ever safety car period. Theobald walked away albeit a little shaken.

It didn’t take long to recover the car and racing resumed with Bortolotti leading once more with Bratt initially responding but unabale to get close enough to pass. However the race leader was not about to let this one slip and he gradually pulled away from the Brit behind him.

Zanella was now the one-to-watch and he started to put Hegewald under increasing pressure. This had the effect of compressing the field as the top two began to pull away. After coming close on several occasions the 21-year-old finally made his move on lap 17 with Hegewald managing to keep fourth place from Brundle at the flag.

Mac finished in fifth place, after a very impressive weekend for the Danish rookie, whilst Miki Monras beat Jack Clarke to the line for seventh. Jordan King and Ramon Pineiro completed the top 10.

Speaking afterwards a delighted Bortolotti said: "It’s been a really fantastic weekend and I’m very happy. In the second race I got a good start and began pushing a lot. I knew it was going to be tight though and that Bratt might try to use his boost on the long straight but he never came close enough. I tried to save some of my boost for the end and then after the safety car I got my rhythm back and got the win which I’m very happy about."

The 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship next heads to Brands Hatch on 22-24 July. Tickets for the meeting are available in advance from £17, with free entry for children aged 12 and under. To book tickets, call 0843 453 9000

FIA Formula Two Championship – Nürburgring Race Two results:

1. Mirko Bortolotti, 20 Laps
2. Will Bratt, +4.140s
3. Christopher Zanella, +8.265
4. Tobias Hegewald, +10.878s
5. Alex Brundle, +11.494s
6. Mikkel Mac, +11.902s
7. Miki Monras, +13.264s
8. Jack Clarke, +13.607s
9. Jordan King, +15.153s
10. Ramon Pineiro, +15.485s

For more information on the series, including the latest points standings, click onto www.formulatwo.com

Zanella takes second to keep up the pressure on championship leader

Mirko Bortolotti took a commanding victory at the Nürburgring in the first FIA Formula Two race of the weekend, leading from the start and pulling out a 6.7 second lead over Christopher Zanella.

Whilst Bortolotti made a textbook getaway, those following immediately behind were not so fortunate. The main beneficiaries were Jack Clarke, who emerged in second, and Zanella, who quickly removed the English driver from his second place.

Zanella set off after Bortolotti but the Austro-Italian drove a beautiful race to control the gap, indeed he seemed to be able to extend it at will. All the while, Zanella made sure he was closer to the leader than Clarke in third place.

Clarke started this encounter with a train of cars jostling for position whilst the leaders made their escape. However, the pressure befell his pursuers as Mihai Marinescu crashed out at Turn 6. Meanwhile Ramon Pineiro was handed a drive-though penalty for lining up in the wrong place on the grid, which ruined his race.

Alex Brundle and Will Bratt then made contact at the final corner. The former was out of the race, whilst Bratt lost several places but was able to stay in the top 10 at a competitive pace.

In the second half of the race Bortolotti carried on his way, extending a four second lead to nearly seven by the end. The focus was now on Jack Clarke in third, as he had been caught by Miki Monras. The erstwhile championship leader was keen to take the final podium position to keep in touch with Bortolotti and Zanella. However, despite sitting behind the Englishman for several laps, he was unable to remove him from third place, his first podium of the year.

Fifth place was claimed by Jordan King, continuing a strong start to his F2 career. He was able to maintain a gap from an encouraging drive from Dutchman Kelvin Snoeks. Will Bratt salvaged seventh from his earlier contact, whilst Mikkel Mac scored a fine eighth place. The top 10 was completed by two drivers competing in their home race – Thiemo Storz and Johannes Theobald.

Speaking after the race a delighted Bortolotti said: "Very happy with that win and the guys did a very good job. I got a good start and also opening lap. That was a special win for me as it’s my first ever time at the Nürburgring so it’s a big thing for me to win on my first visit. I’m already looking forward to tomorrow!"

Qualifying for race two takes place tomorrow at 9:00 local time.

FIA Formula Two Championship – Nurburgring race one result:

1. Mirko Bortolotti, 20 Laps
2. Christopher Zanella, +6.705s
3. Jack Clarke, +15.068s
4. Miki Monras, + 16.535s
5. Jordan King, +27.425s
6. Kelvin Snoeks, +32.115s
7. Will Bratt, +37.178s
8. Mikkel Mac, +37.757s
9. Thiemo Storz, +38.384s
10. Johannes Theobald, +42.267s
For more information on the series click onto www.formulatwo.com

Marinescu and Bratt line up second and third for today’s race

Mirko Bortolotti has taken pole position for race one of the FIA Formula Two Championship at the Nurburgring today (Saturday) with his best time a third of a second clear of the chasing pack.

The Austro-Italian traded times with Friday’s early pace-setter Mikkel Mac, with the Dane looking to have the measure of the championship leader in the early stages. However, halfway through the session everyone pitted for final adjustments and Bortolotti clearly found the extra changes necessary, whilst Mac found himself standing still, ending up in 10^th place.

Whilst Bortolotti continued to record increasingly impressive times, Mihai Marinescu hauled himself into contention with a lap good enough for the front row. The pair then pitted in the final three minutes of the session, confident that their times were good enough.

Leading the challenge to this pair was Spa winner Will Bratt. Whilst he fell a tenth short of the front row, he will line up alongside Alex Brundle, who managed to find vital seconds that were missing during the practice sessions.

Ramon Pineiro will line up fifth for race one, the Spaniard beating Jack Clarke, who posted his qualifying time in the final moments. Championship challenger Christopher Zanella will start from row four, three-quarters of a second off of the front-running pace and he will be joined on the grid by fellow race-winner Miki Monras.

Jordan King continues his impressive first week of F2 with ninth place, ahead of the early pacesetter Mikkel Mac. The Dane starts just in front of the highest-placed German driver, Tobias Hegewald.

Speaking after qualifying 21-year-old Bortolotti said: "That was a good session for us. We did some work on the car overnight after yesterday’s practice in preparation for today. I’ve also had to learn the track very quickly as it’s the first time I’ve been here and for me to tell the engineers how to improve the car. I’m very happy with the pole though and the everyone did a great job. We’ve still got a long race ahead of us though so we’ll just have to see how it goes."

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