Britt tops the timesheets from Storz and King

Will Bratt headed the timesheets in today’s (Friday) second free practice session in the FIA Formula Two Championship at the Nürburgring.

After securing his maiden pole and win at last weekend’s event at Spa, the 23-year-old looked strong again, leading the way in the second session by a margin of 0.380s from Thiemo Storz. F2 newcomer Jordan King was an impressive third quickest for the session with Mirko Bortolotti and Christopher Zanella rounding out the top five.

Track conditions were dry as the 45-minute session got underway with Benjamin Lariche laying down the first benchmark early on. A few spots of rain then began to fall at Turn 8 – the Dunlop Kehre – while further down the field Alex Brundle was surprisingly off the pace running down in the midfield.

The pace-setter then began to swap constantly with Ramon Pineiro and Christopher Zanella among those sharing the honours. James Cole and Sunghak Mun also impressed early on in the session running as high as fifth and eighth respectively before ending 11th and 14th.

17-year-old King then went quickest of all and by a margin of 0.831s before Storz, racing on his home circuit, edged him out at the top with his time drawing closer to under the 1min 50s barrier.

Then on his 14th and final lap Bratt hooked a superb lap to take the overall honours and put him in good stead for tomorrow’s qualifying session. Pineiro held onto sixth position with Mihai Marinescu in seventh and Johannes Theobald eighth, one of four German drivers competing this weekend. Jack Clarke and Miki Monras completed the top 10 while this morning’s pace-setter Mikkel Mac could only manage 23rd.

The F2 cars are next on track tomorrow (Saturday) for the first qualifying session at 09:45 (local) time.

Nurburgring results, Free Practice Two:

1. Will Bratt, 1:50.024s
2. Thiemo Storz, +0.380s
3. Jordan King, +0.445s
4. Mirko Bortolotti, +0.922s
5. Christopher Zanella, +1.276s
6. Ramon Pineiro, +1.336s
7. Mihai Marinescu, +1.412s
8. Johannes Theobald, +1.432s
9. Jack Clarke, +1.455s
10. Miki Monras, +1.462s
For more information on the series click onto www.formulatwo.com

Danish driver goes quickest in opening free practice

Mikkel Mac was the quickest man during the opening free practice session at the Nurburgring ahead of this weekend’s rounds seven and eight of the FIA Formula Two Championship.

The 18-year-old newcomer posted a best time of 1:51.199s around the F1 circuit closely followed by Mirko Bortolotti and Armaan Ebrahim. Will Bratt, who took his maiden win at Spa last weekend, was fourth fastest with fellow countryman Jack Clarke rounding out the top five for the 45-minute session, which saw competitors have to deal with damp track conditions.

After an early downpour, the capacity field of 24 drivers were greeted with a slippery track for the start of the session. Jordan King headed the timesheets early on – once again impressing after his F2 debut last weekend at Spa in which he secured his maiden points finish.

It was then the turn of Johannes Theobald, one of four drivers racing this weekend on their local track, to go top as the tarmac on the racing line began to dry.

Current championship leader Mirko Bortolotti and second place Christopher Zanella then took it in turns at the top with the two posting times in the low 1min 52s before Dane Mac set the fastest time on lap 10.

Spaniard Miki Monras was sixth fastest with King in seventh and Tobias Hegewald eighth fastest. Zanella ended the session ninth overall with Brit Alex Brundle completing the top 10.

The F2 cars are next on track at 15:25 (local) time for Free Practice Two.

Nurburgring results, Free Practice One:

1. Mikkel Mac, 1:51.199s
2. Mirko Bortolotti, +0.166s
3. Armaan Ebrahim, +0.167s
4. Will Bratt, +0.233s
5. Jack Clarke, +0.460s
6. Miki Monras, +0.584s
7. Jordan King, +0.602s
8. Tobias Hegewald, +0.663s
9. Christopher Zanella, +0.771s
10. Alex Brundle, +0.774s
For more information on the series click onto www.formulatwo.com

Christopher Zanella completes Magny-Cour double to lead F2 series

Christopher Zanella completed a clean sweep of the silverware in rounds three and four of the 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship at Magny-Cours, promoting him to the top of the drivers’ standings.
After winning Saturday’s rain-affected round three, the 21-year-old Swiss driver today secured his second consecutive win in round four, closely followed by Brit Alex Brundle, son of former Grand Prix racer Martin, and Mirko Bortolotti.
Zanella held off a charging Brundle at the start and protected his lead throughout the 24-lap race at the former Formula One Grand Prix, whilst Bortolotti and an impressive Mihai Marinescu kept them in check. Brundle tried very hard to close on the F2 rookie, running wide at one point but the Swiss driver led confidently, buoyed by his performance from yesterday.

Miki Monras was held back at the start by Ramon Pineiro and it took several laps for the Spaniard to pass him. Once he completed the move he caught up with the leading quartet. Stalking Marinescu for several laps he made a move in the dying moments to take fourth place, but it wasn’t enough to protect his championship lead.

Behind the leading pack, newcomer Jon Lancaster continued a fine debut, making his way up to sixth place and finishing just ahead of fellow Briton Will Bratt. Tobias Hegewald was the last man to take advantage of Pineiro’s drop down the field, although Jack Clarke tried very hard but had to settle for 10th place.

The race was held in dry conditions, in contrast to yesterday’s opener and although some spots of rain were reported in the pitlane, it wasn’t enough to trouble the competitors.
Speaking after the race, Zanella said: “I like this track a lot and I’m very happy to be leading the championship. I had a good start in the race and had a little fight with Brundle going into the first corner. After that I pushed a bit for three or four laps to make a gap. After that I tried to drive consistently.”

Rounds five and six of the series take place at Spa-Francorchamps on 24/25/26 June. For full details and further information on the series click onto www.formulatwo.com.

FIA FORMULA TWO CHAMPIONSHIP, MAGNY-COURS, RACE ONE:

1. Christopher Zanella, 24 laps
2. Alex Brundle, +1.414s
3. Mirko Bortolotti, +2.815s
4. Miki Monras, +6.136s
5. Mihai Marinescu, +8.767s
6. Jon Lancaster, +11.864s
7. Will Bratt, +12.148s
8. Tobias Hegewald, +17.785s
9. Ramon Pineiro, +22.293
10. Jack Clarke, +23.075s

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Spaniard leads the way at French circuit ahead of rounds three and four this weekend

Miki Monras headed the timesheets at the FIA Formula Two Championship test at Magny-Cours today, putting him in good stead for rounds three and four of the series this weekend.
The Spanish GP3 graduate set the overall fastest time of 1:30.841s in the first of four sessions at the former French Grand Prix circuit, with Swiss F2 newcomer Christopher Zanella second quickest and Frenchman Benjamin Lariche finishing third fastest on his home circuit.
19-year-old Monras took full advantage of the cooler track temperatures during the morning session at the 4.411km circuit – home to Formula One until 2008 – to secure the overall honours and be on course to continue his good form from last month’s season opener at Silverstone where he claimed his maiden F2 victory.
Romanian driver Mihai Marinescu posted the fourth quickest time of the day with Alex Brundle, son of former Grand Prix racer Martin, in fifth.
Ramón Piñeiro and German Johannes Theobald also impressed during the four sessions, as did British drivers Jack Clarke and Will Bratt. 21-year-old Tobias Hegewald rounded out the top 10 drivers, while current championship leader Mirko Bortolotti could only manage 14th fastest.
The official test also saw a new face amongst the F2 regulars as British racer Jon Lancaster, a former Formula Renault 3.5 winner, joined the series and quickly made an impression by finishing just outside the top 10.
Speaking after the test Monras said: “Today went really well and because we were able to set such a good time in the first session, we were able to save putting on fresh tyres in the final stint. The cooler track temperatures in the morning helped us post quick times together with the fact that I have raced here before in Formula Renault 2.0.”

Rounds three and four of the 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship get underway on 13 May starting with practice one at 12:50 (local time). Full coverage, including live timing, will be available on the F2 website.

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Top British talent joins series just in time for Magny-Cours

22-year-old British racer Jon Lancaster today (Wednesday) announced he is to contest the 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship, beginning this weekend with rounds three and four in Magny-Cours.
The F2 newcomer from Leeds, already a proven race-winner in Formula Renault 3.5, has been getting his first taste of the JPH1B F2 single-seater during today’s official test session at the French circuit before competing this weekend (13-15 May).

The Brit is expected to be on the pace from the start having raced previously at Magny-Cours – a regular on the Grand Prix calendar until 2008 – in the Renault series.
As well as two successful seasons in Formula Renault 3.5, racking up pole positions, podiums and race wins, Jon has also competed in the Formula 3 Euro series and Formula Renault Eurocup, taking wins in both.
Speaking on his decision, Jon said: “I’d been considering a move to F2 for a while although we’ve had to rush to make it in time for the Magny-Cours test! I only arrived at the track this morning at 6am so I’m just trying to get up to speed.
“I have raced at the French circuit before and have done a shakedown in the car at Bedford so that should help this weekend. So far I really like the car and am getting used to the specific driving style.”
Commenting on his aims for this season Jon added: “I only have one goal for this season and that’s simply to win and pick up the Williams F1 test.”
Formula Two Series Director Jonathan Palmer added: "We’re delighted that Jon has chosen to race in F2 this year. He is already a very accomplished driver with plenty of experience behind him and despite being unfamiliar with the car, I have no doubt he’ll be a frontrunner right from the start.”
Rounds three and four of the 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship take place at Magny-Cours on 13-15 May with official testing taking place today. For full coverage of today’s test and all the action from the weekend visit www.formulatwo.com

Bortolotti seals second as penalty for Bratt gives Zanella first podium

Miki Monras claimed a commanding maiden win in the final race at Silverstone, leading from pole position and making the most of a series of incidents behind him to establish an early lead which he never looked like surrendering.
Monras‘ fellow front-row starter Mirko Bortolotti bogged down and lost out to Will Bratt at the start. Bratt however was later handed a drive-through penalty for not respecting track limits, and after failing to come in was then black-flagged. He finished second on circuit but was demoted, handing Christopher Zanella – who started from tenth – a maiden F2 podium in third.
There was drama right from the very start of the 21-lap race two with Briton Alex Brundle failing to get away from the line due to clutch issues, leaving the rest of the field to frantically try to avoid him which all but Parthiva Sureshwaren did. After a slow puncture in race once, Brundle leaves his home circuit after a luckless weekend and no doubt will be gunning to make amends next month when the series travels to Magny-Cours for rounds three and four.
The action continued on the opening lap with Spaniard Ramon Pineiro, who started fifth, spinning as he attacked Mirko Bortolotti at Stowe. He dropped down the order before working his way back through the field to 11th – just outside a second points finish.
19-year-old Monras pushed early on to establish a sizeable cushion while behind him Bratt and Bortolotti battled for second and third places. Swiss driver Zanella, a former Formula Renault 2.0 winner, meanwhile found himself in fourth place – just ahead of Tobias Hegewald in fifth – after an impressive opening few laps, firmly establishing himself as a driver to watch this season.
After starting a career best 14th, Bulgarian Plamen Kralev was battling hard in the midfield with German Julian Theobald. The two made contact on lap six with Julian retiring and Kralev continuing to finish 17th. Just behind Frenchman Benjamin Lariche was pressing Natalia Kowalska hard just outside the top 10 through Club before making his move stick a lap later at Stowe.
Back with the top three, Monras was looking untouchable while Bratt’s chances of securing a double podium this weekend quickly evaporated when he was handed a drive-through penalty for having four wheels off the track. After failing to notice the pit board he was subsequently shown a black flag, ending an otherwise promising weekend for the 23-year-old.
A few laps later Monras took the chequered flag for his maiden F2 win in only his second ever race and by a margin of more than seven seconds. Speaking afterwards the Spaniard said: "First of all, I knew I had to make a good start if I wanted to win the race. Yesterday it was not the case and I struggled a little bit; today it was better, a lot easier. I saw they were fighting a little bit behind on the first lap so I managed to pull a little gap, and after that I pushed and pushed. I knew it was important to get some good laps early on and build a gap until the end and that’s what I did."

Bortolotti, who now leads the drivers‘ standings, crossed the line third but was promoted to second along with Zanella in third, Hegewald in fourth and Mihai Marinescu rounding out the top five.

Behind them Jack Clarke had a relatively quiet drive to sixth ahead of series returnees Armaan Ebrahim and Kelvin Snoeks and newcomer Mikkel Mac. Benjamin Lariche rounded out the top ten, having passed Tom Gladdis on the final lap of the race.

FIA Formula Two Championship, Silverstone – race two results:
1. Miki Monras, 21 laps
2. Mirko Bortolotti, +10.668s
3. Christopher Zanella, +14.907s
4. Tobias Hegewald, +16.873s
5. Mihai Marinescu, +21.753s
6. Jack Clarke, +26.801s
7. Armaan Ebrahim, +33.573s
8. Kelvin Snoeks, +37.573s
9. Mikkel Mac, +39.127s
10. Benjamin Lariche, +49.281s

Rounds three and four of the 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship take place at Magny-Cours on 13-15 May. Pre-event build-up and full coverage, including live streaming of both races, will be available via www.formulatwo.com

Will Bratt second at home circuit as F2 debutant Miki Monras completes podium

Italy’s Mirko Bortolotti converted his maiden pole position into a commanding victory in the opening round of the 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship at Silverstone today (Saturday).

Bortolotti made a perfect start, as fellow front row qualifier Spain’s Miki Monras lost a position to Briton Will Bratt after getting bogged down off the line. By the end of the opening lap, Mirko had built a commanding lead of more than a second over the pair, who tussled for position in the early stages of the race.

As Bortolotti put in a series of fastest laps at the front of the field, a locked wheel from Monras allowed Bratt to build a small breathing space in his bid to maintain second position.

The British driver – who lives just a stone’s throw from the circuit in Banbury – cemented his podium place by posting a flying lap in the closing stages of the race, but not before Bortolotti demonstrated his supreme pace by setting the fastest lap of the race on his penultimate tour of the Silverstone Arena circuit.

Mirko Bortolotti said: “It wasn’t easy! First of all I made a good start, and the first lap was actually very good. I managed to get a gap between me and second, and after that I think they were starting to get busy behind me and that was my chance to get away a bit, and that’s what I did. Afterwards I had five seconds advantage I think, so I just tried to look after my tyres.I’m very happy with the result, which is very good for us – the first race weekend and now a pole position and a race win.”

Monras steered his Williams JPH1B Formula Two car to an impressive third position on his championship debut, whilst Romania’s Mihai Marinescu equalled his best ever F2 result in fourth place.

Spain’s Ramon Piñeiro fought his way to fifth position, ahead of Germany’s Tobias Hegewald, who returns to F2 in 2010 following a season in GP3. Hegewald shadowed Piñeiro for much of the contest, but was not quite able to find a way past the composed Spaniard.

F2 rookie Christopher Zanella impressed on his first Formula Two race outing to secure seventh overall, having passed Britons Jack Clarke and Alex Brundle during the race. Clarke finished eighth after struggling with pace in the latter stages of the race, while Brundle’s suffered an unfortunate end to what had been an impressive return performance as a puncture on lap 16 forced him to retire.

Russia’s Max Snegirev took advantage of a wheel-to-wheel battle between Johannes Theobald and Tom Gladdis to carve his way through from 13th in qualifying to ninth at the finish. Snegirev dived down the inside of the duelling pair, who went side by side on several occasions until Gladdis finally shook off his German rival. Theobald then went on to battle with Dutchman Kelvin Snoeks until contact between the pair caused his retirement.

A frantic final few laps saw contact between Korean F2 debutant Sun-Hak Mun and Bulgaria’s Plamen Kralev – causing the latter to retire.

FIA FORMULA TWO CHAMPIONSHIP, SILVERSTONE, RACE ONE:
1. Mirko Bortolotti, 21 laps
2. Will Bratt, +5.337s
3. Miki Monras, +6.929s
4. Mihai Marinescu, +19.381s
5. Ramon Piñeiro, +26.243s
6. Tobias Hegewald, +27.072s
7. Christopher Zanella, +28.901s
8. Jack Clarke, +40.496s
9. Maxim Snegirev, +45.852s
10. Tom Gladdis, +53.612s

Television coverage of the FIA Formula Two Championship race two will be screened on Motors TV on Sunday at 2.30pm (UK time). Television coverage and live timing is also available at www.formulatwo.com

Miki Monras secures second with final qualifying effort ahead of Will Bratt

Mirko Bortolotti clinched the first pole position of the 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship in the opening qualifying session at Silverstone today (Saturday).

After joining the session slightly late due to a problem with his seat belt, the Italian driver – who returns to F2 in 2011 following a season in GP3 – quickly rose to the top of the timesheets deposing Briton Will Bratt, who set the pace in the early stages.

The pair briefly traded times until Bortolotti became the first driver to dip below the 1m50s barrier with a quickest lap of 1:50.834s, which ultimately proved unassailable – and the Italian felt sufficiently confident to end his qualifying effort with five minutes of the session still remaining.

Mirko Bortolotti said: "That was a good session for me. We had the right strategy today and just used one set of tyres. The car felt pretty good, as it did in testing at Silverstone last month and in free practice yesterday, and we knew we had the potential today. We just needed to make a few further adjustments today, which gave me my first pole in F2."

Behind Bortolotti, Bratt maintained his second place until the closing stages of qualifying, when F2 rookie Spain’s Miki Monras made a superb final effort to secure a front row start for this afternoon’s first race.

Along with Monras and Bortolotti, Bratt was the third driver to post a time in the 1m50s, which was sufficient to clinch third on the grid. However, the British driver will have local knowledge on his side hailing from nearby Banbury.

Alex Brundle, who switches from British F3 for his second Formula Two campaign, took fourth place after running as high as second during the mid-stages of qualifying. The Norfolk racer was clearly pushing hard in the final stages, making a spectacular slide at one point as he wringed every inch of performance from the Williams JPH1B Formula Two car.

Free practice two pace-setter Mihai Marinescu secured fifth fastest ahead of Germany’s Tobias Hegewald, who made steady improvement throughout the session to go sixth quickest.

Ramon Pineiro, who briefly topped the timesheets at the start of qualifying, took seventh, with Briton Jack Clarke in eighth position.

Johannes Theobald qualified ninth, with Swiss rookie Christopher Zanella producing an impressive performance in his debut F2 qualifying session to round out the top ten.

Race one of the FIA Formula Two Championshship at Silverstone begins at 1.50pm today (UK time).

FIA FORMULA TWO CHAMPIONSHIP, SILVERSTONE, QUALIFYING 1:
1. Mirko Bortolotti, 1:50.834
2. Miki Monras, +0.108s
3. Will Bratt, +0.133s
4. Alex Brundle, +0.181s
5. Mihai Marinescu, +0.383s
6. Tobias Hegewald, +0.438s
7. Ramon Pineiro, +0.482s
8. Jack Clarke, +0.924s
9. Johannes Theobald, +1.117s
10. Christopher Zanella, +1.151s

Television coverage of both FIA Formula Two Championship races will be screened on Motors TV. Television coverage and live timing is also available at www.formulatwo.com

Swiss youngster steps up from Formula 3

21-year-old Swiss racer Christopher Zanella is the latest driver to sign up to the FIA Formula Two Championship for 2011, following a dual campaign in the Italian F3 Championship and F3 Euro Series last year.

Christopher won the Formula Renault 2.0 Switzerland Championship in 2008, whilst also competing in selected Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 races. From here he graduated to Formula Three in the Euro Series with the Motopark Academy team and claimed his first podium finish at the final round in Hockenheim.

He continued to race occasionally in the F3 Euro Series in 2010 alongside a full campaign in the Italian Formula 3 Championship, where he finished 6^th overall. Christopher went on to join F2 winter testing at Barcelona in December and ran competitively throughout, and he showed further impressive pace in last Wednesday’s pre-season test at Snetterton, finishing second overall in the afternoon session.

“I chose F2 because I strongly believe that it’s the only racing competition where everyone has a fair and equal chance,” said Christopher. “Also in comparison with GP3 and GP2 it has a far better cost to benefit ratio.

“The quality of the field is very high but I will be aiming for the top two at the end of the year.”

Formula Two Series Director Jonathan Palmer said: “Christopher looked strong last December when he tested the Williams F2 car at Barcelona, being only 0.1 sec from Italian F3 champion Cesar Ramos. Christopher is an intelligent guy with a great approach and he appreciates that F2 offers him a championship where he has the confidence to know he has a car capable of winning. I’m delighted he’s made the sensible decision to progress his career with us.”

www.formulatwo.com

James Cole is the latest driver to confirm he will be competing in the 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship, after a standout performance at the recent pre-season tests at Silverstone and Snetterton. The 22-year-old Briton impressed by frequently running in the top ten over both days and even topping a session at the new Snetterton 300 circuit yesterday (Wednesday), despite his previous lack of experience in the Williams JPH1B F2 car.

The highly-rated youngster has already been part of the MSA British Race Academy, as well as a McLaren Autosport Award finalist and BRDC Rising Star. In 2009 he won the British Formula Ford Championship and came third in the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch, before stepping up to the British F3 National Class last year, finishing as runner-up. James now makes the step up to F2 and international racing for the first time.

“I chose F2 because of the enjoyment of driving the car”, said James. “It’s got a lot of power and it’s great that everyone’s got the same equipment – you don’t have to pay for a better car and I’m looking forward to a good season. The first test at Silverstone went well, we were in the top six straight away and I’d never driven the car before, so if I can regularly be in the top six we’ll see what happens from there. The winner’s prize of an F1 test with Williams is fantastic.”

Formula Two Series Director Jonathan Palmer said: “James has enjoyed a great deal of success in his racing career so far and is clearly an outstanding prospect, so we’re delighted he’s competing in F2 this year. He adapted to the Williams F2 car remarkably well in the tests at Silverstone and Snetterton, 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, where he’ll be competing against a field of exceptionally talented drivers across some truly legendary F1 circuits.”

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Formula Two has joined forces with double Le Mans winning Aston Martin works driver Darren Turner to promote driver development by launching a new state-of-the art F2 simulator.

The simulator, which is operated by Turner’s Base Performance Simulators (BPS) company in Banbury, offers current and prospective F2 drivers the opportunity to enjoy unrestricted test time in preparation for – and during – the 2011 season.

Simulation provides an environment in which drivers can learn circuit lines and experiment with different set-ups so maximising the use of valuable track or team time. The bespoke equipment has been developed using Turner’s 12 years’ experience in developing cutting-edge Formula One simulators, providing a unique insight into the science of racing simulation.

The new F2 simulator duplicates the entire cockpit of the Williams JPH1B Formula Two Car, with all the controls and instrumentation transported straight from the race car in order to create the most true-to-life F2 simulator anywhere.

A number of this year’s F2 drivers have already sampled the simulator, including Briton Alex Brundle, who said: “I’ve tried a lot of simulators and the BPS F2 simulator rates really well compared to them – I think it’s very effective. The team are working hard to develop it even further, so it’s going to be exceptional.”

Simulator expert Turner added: “I’ve been working with simulators for 12 years now and I know that they are a huge benefit, especially as a driver training aid. That’s why I am so pleased that BPS is the simulator partner to the FIA Formula Two Championship. I know it will really help the young drivers to develop, especially as we are running a bespoke F2 chassis in the simulator to make the environment as real as possible.”

Simulator sessions are now available from £450 for a two hour introductory session. A three hour evening session is available for £600, whilst a half day (4 hours) costs £750.

To book an F2 simulator session with Base Performance contact Katie Cecil on 01295 276611 or visit www.baseperformance.net for more information.

Capacity entry of 24 cars expected at Silverstone on Tuesday

Formula Two heads to Silverstone, the home of the British Grand Prix, for the first pre-season test next Tuesday (22 March), and impressively a capacity entry of 24 cars is expected to attend following a rush in demand.
In addition to the drivers already announced for the 2011 championship, a number that have previously raced in F2 have also signed up to take part, including regular 2010 points scorer Mihai Marinescu and female racer Natalia Kowalska. Julian Theobald, Johannes Theobald and Ramon Piñeiro, who each contested part-seasons in 2010, will also test at Silverstone along with F2 newcomers James Cole and Sunghak Mun.

Mikkel Mac and Jukka Honkavuori, who took part in F2 winter testing at Portimao and Barcelona respectively, have also committed.
Provisional entry list – F2 test, Silverstone, United Kingdom 22 March 2011:

No.   Name   Country

2   James Cole   GBR

3   Armaan Ebrahim  IND

4  Mirko Bortolotti  ITA

5   Alex Brundle  GBR

6  Miki Monras  ESP

8  Plamen Kralev    BUL

9  Mihai Marinescu   ROM

10   Maxim Snegirev  RUS

11   Jack Clarke  GBR

12  Kelvin Snoeks   NED

14  Alexey Karachev  RUS

15  Ramon Piñeiro  ESP

16  Mikkel Mac   DEN

17  Jukka Honkavuori   FIN

18  Tobias Hegewald  DEU

20   Julian Theobald  DEU

21   Thiemo Storz  DEU

22   Johannes Theobald  DEU

24   Tom Gladdis   GBR

28  Benjamin Lariche  FRA

30  Sunghak Mun  KOR

33  Parthiva Sureshwaren    IND

77    Natalia Kowalska   POL

-     F2 Test Car

Formula Two Series Director Jonathan Palmer commented: “As ever we tend to have a rush of drivers sign up to F2 shortly before the start of the season, and it looks very likely we’ll have a capacity 24 cars at our Silverstone F2 test. Indeed, all indications point to a full grid of drivers for our opening round in April, as we had for our first season in 2009.

“F2 is the only logical option for young drivers struggling for budgets thanks to its combination of equality, outstanding value and the prize of a full Williams F1 test for the champion. Every driver that joins F2 knows that they have a car capable of winning the championship – and that makes it a compelling choice.”

The first pre-season test will take place at Silverstone on Tuesday 22 March, followed by a second on Wednesday 30 March on the new Snetterton 300 circuit. You can follow all the latest developments throughout pre-season testing on the official F2 website www.formulatwo.com, with live timing and instant session results available.

2009 Formula Two race-winner returns for championship assault

21-year-old German racer Tobias Hegewald has confirmed that he will return to F2 in 2011 after a season competing in the inaugural GP3 series.
Tobias had an impressive campaign in the 2009 FIA Formula Two Championship, finishing sixth overall and producing the most dominant performance of any driver that season when he proved unstoppable at Spa-Francorchamps. Remarkably, he was fastest in both practice sessions, both qualifying sessions and won both races, recording the fastest lap in each. He collected nine points finishes in total, including a further podium at Donington Park.

Tobias switched to GP3 for the 2010 season, the highlight being an excellent weekend supporting the Silverstone Grand Prix, where he claimed a fourth and sixth place respectively. He now returns to Formula Two to contest the 2011 championship, and will join the field at the first pre-season test, also at Silverstone, next Tuesday:

“I had a good time in F2, so I am happy to come back,” commented Tobias. “I know all the people here already so it’s like coming back home.

“My last season was not very successful so I hope to live up to my success which I had in my F2 year. I was asked quite often to come back and for me it was the best solution. I know the car, the tracks and all the environment. The car is fast and the budget is still affordable. All the people who work for F2 are very nice and friendly so it’s always a nice atmosphere.

“As I already said, my last season was quite unlucky. I want to do a good performance in the tests and then I can see where I am. I didn’t drive for a long time and I haven’t sat in a car since the last race, which was in the end of September, so I have to get my rhythm first!”

F2 Series Director Jonathan Palmer said: “Tobias produced some outstanding performances in our first season of F2, particularly at Spa where he drove quite brilliantly to dominate a really impressive field of drivers. He will undoubtedly demonstrate his talent again in the equal environment of F2, and I expect him to be a championship contender from the outset."

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Briton hungry for success after recovering from injury

Britain’s Tom Gladdis is the latest driver to be confirmed for the 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship, returning to the series after making a successful debut in the series in 2009 and contesting selected rounds in 2010.

The 20-year-old was the youngest driver in the field in 2009, but demonstrated his clear potential with impressive points finishes at Brno and Spa-Francorchamps which belied his young age and relative inexperience.

Gladdis impressed in Formula Two again in 2010, challenging for the points on several occasions despite only contesting three rounds. His best weekend came at Brands Hatch, where he challenged for victory in the second race – eventually being edged out by Austria’s Philipp Eng by just 0.545s. He also finished fifth in the first race, and qualified inside the top eight at both Silverstone and Brno – although he wasn’t able to further add to his points tally.

Gladdis insists the frustration of a bit-season last year, coupled with a serious foot injury which forced doctors to amputate three toes on his left foot over the winter, has made him hungrier and more focussed than ever ahead of the 2011 season.

“My main motivation is to finish consistently in the points and challenge for the race wins,” Gladdis declared. “I want to thank my family and my sponsors, especially Silver Lining who sponsored Dean Stoneman last year, for the chance to compete and I’d like to pick up where Dean left off and reward their faith in me.

“We had some struggles last year, and the injury to my foot has been quite serious. My family have always been hugely supportive though and it’s made me realise just how fortunate I am – and made me hungrier than ever. I’ve really fought for my place on the grid this season, and I’m absolutely determined to make the most of it!

“To be honest coming back to F2 is like coming back to a family, and I’m delighted to be back. I learned a lot when I competed in 2009, but with hindsight I made a lot of mistakes as well. Then in 2010 I had a break between the opening round at Silverstone and Brands Hatch, and that really focussed me and made me realise just how much I want to be racing. If you want something you push for it, and this year is all about taking everything I have learned and pushing harder than ever for success.”

Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted that Tom Gladdis will be returning to F2 in 2011.  F2 was a big jump for him in 2009 but he rose to the challenge very well, and a year later he made a big jump in competitiveness with a brilliant second at Brands Hatch.  Tom is a very promising talent and a real pleasure to have in F2, with a healthily calm and realistic approach. If he can maintain and build on his 2010 form Tom really can win the championship this year, and he certainly should be a podium contender.”

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Indian racer hoping to impress as excitement builds ahead of F1 Grand Prix in New Delhi

Parthiva Sureshwaren is the latest returnee to secure his place on the 2011 FIA Formula Two grid – becoming the second Indian driver to be confirmed for the championship’s third season.

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

Prior to competing in F2, Parthiva forged a reputation as one of India’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.

Despite his wealth of experience, Parthiva’s return to F2 represents the first ever time he has competed in one series for two consecutive seasons – and he hopes his previous experience will help him promote his talents in his home country, particularly with the excitement generated by the arrival of India’s first Formula One Grand Prix this year.

“I’m majorly motivated and feeling very confident,” Parthiva declared. “This is the first time in my career that I will be returning to a championship in consecutive years, so I know what to expect and that is a major advantage.

“As a driver you need to be in the right place at the right time, and with more awareness and money coming into Indian motorsport now due to the Grand Prix, it’s an important time to gain recognition. F2 is definitely the right platform not just for me but for any driver looking for that recognition.

“Importantly, it’s also a great championship – it’s run very well, cost-effective and the cars are very good, so there are a lot of positives. There are some great circuits this year which I’m really looking forward to, and while I’m keeping my aims inside me for now I learned a lot last year and I’ll be looking to make the most of that in 2011!”

Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Chief Executive, said: “The popularity of motorsport in India is growing rapidly, particularly with India set to host its first ever Formula One Grand Prix, and F2 offers Parthiva the perfect platform to showcase his ability. He already has experience of racing at this level from last year, and I’m sure he will put that to good use and be a top ten regular in 2011.”

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