23-year-old aiming for championship top three berth

Dutchman Kelvin Snoeks has his sights firmly set on a championship top three finish in 2011, after confirming he will return to the FIA Formula Two Championship for a second season.

Snoeks, who has a background competing in Formula Renault 2.0 NEC and International Formula Master, enjoyed early success in his first season in Formula Two as he took a maiden podium on the streets of Marrakech.

Further points followed in the second race in Morocco and also at Zolder, before his season was disrupted by a moped accident which forced him to miss Brands Hatch with a broken ankle. Despite the injury Kelvin returned sooner than predicted, demonstrating remarkable determination and bravery to take five points finishes in the last six races – including a superb fourth place at Oschersleben – to end the season 13th overall.

With that experience to draw upon, Kelvin admitted he was delighted to be returning to Formula Two – and insisted a championship top three berth would be the target after an intense winter training schedule.

“It’s great to be back for 2011!” Kelvin enthused. “I like the championship and it’s a really good fit for us – it works for my sponsors, the car is great and the equality of the series is a real positive. It’s also a great atmosphere, so I’m really looking forward to it!

“I have good experience from last year, and I’m sure I can do a really good job in 2011. I don’t think about other drivers or potential competition, but I’m definitely targeting the top three this year and I’m confident that’s possible.

“I’m much more grown up this year than last, and I’ve been training incredibly hard over the winter – not just fitness, but also on simulators to improve my style and technique. We’ll see where that puts me when it comes to testing and more importantly to the races, but I’ve never been so prepared for a season and I’m feeling very confident!”

Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Chief Executive, said: “I’m really delighted Kelvin is returning to Formula Two this year. Not only does he have the talent to score many podium finishes, he’s also one of the most popular characters around the Formula Two paddock. He has worked very hard to secure his sponsorship for 2011, and Formula Two provides his sponsors with clear benefits – including extensive TV, outstanding hospitality and a fantastic series website.

“He thrived in the equal environment of F2 in 2010, claiming a maiden podium at Marrakech and then returning just three weeks after breaking his ankle to score points in five of the last six races. I’m sure he will be even more determined and focussed in 2011, and a maiden race victory will certainly be the target!”

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Russian ex-FPA pilot joins the 2011 entry list

Russia’s Max Snegirev is the latest addition to the 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship line-up after his place on the grid was confirmed today. 

Snegirev moves up to F2 after competing in F3 in 2010. Max took part in all four days of the F2 winter testing at the end of 2010 and acclimatised very well, being regularly in the top ten on the time sheets.  He was particularly impressive at Portimão, where he challenged for fastest time alongside experienced F2 drivers Jack Clarke, Alex Brundle and Benjamin Lariche.

Prior to testing, Max spent 2010 competing in the British F3 International series with Fortec Motorsport. At the end of the season he then contested the final two rounds of the Formula Palmer Audi Championship, enjoying great success as he claimed one win and three podiums from the seven races.

Max’s single seater career stretches back to 2007 when he made his debut in Formula Palmer Audi. He stayed in the series in 2008, before dovetailing a season in the British F3 National class with races in Formula Renault.

He becomes the fourth Russian to compete in the new era of Formula Two, following Mikhail Aleshin, Sergey Afanasiev – who finished third in the standings in 2009 and 2010 respectively – and Ivan Samarin.

"I’m really looking forward to the season, and I’m confident I can deliver results," Snegirev declared. "After seeing how the championship was run and structured during winter testing I didn’t hesitate to join, and I’m feeling really good about the season.

"I’ve seen already in testing the high level of professionalism, and with some great tracks this year, equal opportunity for every driver and of course the F1 and GP2 prizes, I feel F2 has very good attributes and is the best platform for drivers to develop.

"I’m not setting any benchmarks though, as a few guys have done F2 for a number of seasons and it’s obviously going to be a challenge. I just want to be competitive, and I already feel good with the car after testing. I had a difficult year in F3 but at the same time I learned a lot, so I am just concentrating on my own goals and I’m extremely motivated."

Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, said: "I’m delighted Max is joining F2. We saw at the end of 2010 he was right at the front in Formula Palmer Audi, taking a superb win at Croft. I have seen Max develop enormously from his first tentative races in FPA, which was the first time he ever raced, and am thrilled that his ability has developed so strongly. He is certainly ready to make the step up from F3 now, and F2 will provide him with the best possible learning environment through its unique concept of total equality and data sharing. We have had some very talented Russian drivers in F2 over the past two seasons, and I’m confident Max will continue the trend in 2011."

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Indian eyeing championship glory and Williams F1 test drive

21-year-old Indian driver Armaan Ebrahim has his sights set on championship glory after confirming his return to Formula Two in 2011.

Ebrahim enjoyed an impressive campaign in the series in 2010, cementing his reputation as his country’s best young prospect by scoring points in all but one round during the season and finishing tenth in the overall championship. He also the ended the year on a high, qualifying inside the top three for both races at the final round in Valencia and going on to secure his maiden F2 podium.

Armaan scored strongly on several other occasions during the year, notably taking a brace of sixth-place finishes on the streets of Marrakech and top five results at Monza, the home of the Italian Grand Prix, and Zolder.

Since making history as the youngest ever driver to represent his nation in the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport, Armaan has enjoyed success in a host of single seater championships and is a race winner in Formula BMW Asia and Formula V6 Asia.

Now moving into his third year of F2, Armaan admits he is full of confidence and keen to impress – particularly as his home country India will host its first ever F1 Grand Prix this year. “I’m really happy to be returning to F2 in 2011,” Armaan enthused. “There are some legendary circuits on the calendar this year and my confidence is high following last year, so I can’t wait for the season to begin.

“With Formula One coming to India this year, interest is at an all-time high and if I can do a good job it will hopefully help me for the future. I proved last year that I can be fast, especially in Valencia where I sorted out my qualifying and then scored a podium, so the key will be to repeat that performance straight from the start of 2011 – and repeat it consistently. I’ve improved every year in F2, and I want to keep that going, so victories and the championship are definitely the target!

“After detailed evaluations with my internal team and my core sponsors, JK Tyre, CSEPL and Amaron, we decided that one more year in F2 is the best option for me to do well, win the championship if possible and then get organized for the GP2 Series in 2012 as well as an opening for a Test drive with a Formula 1 Team.

“F2 surely prepares you well for GP2 as well as F1 and it is a great and very competitive series to take part in.”

Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Chief Executive, said: "I’m delighted Armaan will be returning for a third season of F2. He has shown great race craft throughout his time in the championship, and progressed impressively at the end of 2010 to claim a maiden podium in Valencia. F2 is certainly the ideal place for Armaan as he pursues a place on the GP2 grid in 2012, and I expect him to be a definite championship contender this year!”

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German confirms participation in F2’s third season following positive debut in winter testing

Germany’s Thiemo Storz will contest his maiden season in international single seater racing after becoming the latest name to be confirmed for the 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship.

Storz has enjoyed success in a wide variety of series since making his single seater debut in 2008 – including a dominant campaign in the 2009 Formula 2000 Light Italy series, where he claimed nine wins, ten podiums and 11 poles from the 11 races.

Still only 19, Storz elected to sit out much of the 2010 season in order to prepare for his final exams. He did however test in a multitude of championships in order to assess his options for 2011, including a successful spell in Formula Palmer Audi where he finished second behind champion Nigel Moore in his maiden race at Rockingham. He gained his first experience of the Williams JPH1B F2 car when he joined all four days of winter testing at Portimão and Barcelona at the end of 2010.

"Formula Two is a fantastic opportunity for me, and I’m very excited to be joining," Storz said. "It’s a quality championship, with a great car, fantastic calendar and very good price, and I’m very happy to be a part of it this year.

"In 2010 I didn’t do much racing mainly because I was focussing on my education, but I did use the time to test in a lot of series to find a solution for 2011 and we came across F2. I feel it is the perfect moment for me to join, and also the perfect moment for F2 in motorsport – if you look at the prize, the price and what the championship offers you, its absolutely one of the best series in the world for young drivers like me!

"It’s a bit difficult to know exactly how I’ll get on in 2011, but winter testing gave me a lot of confidence in the car and I was constantly around the top ten, so it would be good to repeat that kind of performance during the season. There are some great events, especially racing at the Nürburgring which for me will be very special, and I hope to keep improving throughout the year so that I can be fighting for podiums at the end."

Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Chief Executive, said: "Thiemo did a fantastic job when he first raced with us in Formula Palmer Audi in 2010 when I was impressed with his pace and competitiveness from the very start.  Although some may think F2 is a big step for Thiemo, we have seen time and again how the total equivalence of car performance in F2 and ability to learn rapidly by comparison with the fastest enables relatively inexperienced drivers to be very close to front running pace, often surprising and impressing with their results.  I have no doubt Thiemo will do just that in F2 during 2011.”

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2010 F2 runner-up to partner Josef Král for GP2 Asia and Main Series campaigns

2010 FIA Formula Two Championship runner-up Jolyon Palmer will graduate to GP2 for the forthcoming season after signing a deal to contest both the Asia and Main Series championships with Arden International.

Palmer’s progression into GP2 follows an outstanding campaign in Formula Two in which he claimed five race wins and ten podiums, and remained in contention for the title until the final round of the year. He also recorded the most successful weekend of any driver, taking a superb two pole positions and two race wins at Monza in May.

Jolyon, who only recently turned 20, has previous experience of GP2 having joined the series‘ official winter tests at Abu Dhabi in November last year – where he impressed by regularly breaking into the top ten despite being one of the youngest drivers in the field. Arden meanwhile have a proud history in GP2, having won races in every year of the F1-feeder series’ history.

"I’m really excited to be joining the Arden GP2 Team for 2011, and I can’t wait for the season to start," Jolyon enthused. "It’s obviously going to be very tough, as indeed it should be, but Arden are a very good team who have won races in every year of GP2 and I’m confident I can do a good job.

"It’s going to be difficult, because last year in F2 I was one of the more experienced guys and now I’m a rookie again in a series with some of the world’s best young drivers, but given time and experience I hope I can be challenging at the very sharp end. I wouldn’t have entered if I didn’t believe in myself and you can’t improve unless you’re competing against the top drivers in the world, so I’m looking forward to rising to the challenge.

"I feel confident that two seasons of Formula Two have given me a very good grounding and really helped me develop as a driver, especially through the data sharing concept which really is the best way for young drivers to learn.

"Now I really need to reward the faith shown in me by Arden through my performances – I need to be on it from the outset and start the Main Series on the right foot. Ultimately my goal is Formula One, and with a lot of hard work, application and of course results hopefully that will be a realistic possibility for me."

Arden founder Mr Horner commented: "We are delighted to have Josef and Jolyon join our team for GP2 Asia and Main Series in 2011. Both drivers are young but have a lot of talent, which I’m sure we will see throughout the year. Despite Josef’s modest attendance in GP2 last year, he has shown a good understanding of the GP2 car and collaborated well with the team during the Abu Dhabi test. Jolyon demonstrated strength during the post-season tests and will no doubt be a front-running rookie. We look forward to a successful year together."

Formula Two Series Director Jonathan Palmer said: "I am obviously delighted Jolyon will be racing in GP2 this year with Arden. His strong rookie GP2 testing performance in Abu Dhabi was sufficiently encouraging to Jolyon, the GP2 teams and me to demonstrate that F2 is not only very competitive but also provides excellent experience to lead directly to GP2 for a young driver. It is clearly going to be a big challenge and I’m sure like most drivers he will need several seasons to reach his peak. Arden is great team for Jolyon to be with; they have a great history and proven ability to help drivers develop."

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Alex Brundle will rejoin the FIA Formula Two Championship in 2011, after taking a break from the series in 2010 to compete in British Formula 3.

The 20-year-old Briton contested F2’s maiden season in 2009 and impressed on several occasions, notably finishing fifth in the second race at Spa-Francorchamps, having run as high as third after qualifying on the second row.

Brundle, son of ex-F1 racer and BBC F1 commentator Martin, also scored points in the opening race of the year at Valencia, while he was unlucky to miss out on a maiden F2 podium at Imola after falling victim to a patch of oil leaked from the back of Mirko Bortolotti’s car.

Alex switched to British F3 to compete with the T-Sport squad for 2010, but returned to the F2 fold for winter testing at the end of 2010, where he was rarely out of the top six and set the ultimate pace after the first day of testing at Barcelona.

Brundle explained that the equal environment of Formula Two was one of the main reasons he had decided to return.

“I’m very excited to be back,” he said. “I really enjoyed winter testing, and to be honest the performances I was able to give helped swing the decision to rejoin Formula Two.

“It’s difficult to say what the difference is in terms of how I get on in an F3 and an F2 car; perhaps the F2 car simply suits me better. Whatever the reason though, my aspiration is to be able to race as a career and I need to demonstrate my ability and credentials in order to do that.

“Formula Two gives me that opportunity – I know from experience that every car is completely equal so you have the same chance as everyone else. That’s the beauty of it. I was very competitive in the winter tests, and I’ve grown up in turbo single seaters, so I’m very confident and excited about the season.

“I also feel I’ve improved as a driver over the last year, so it will be interesting to see how I get on. I’m not one to make claims before pre-season testing has even begun, but I’m looking forward to applying what I have learned, working hard and I think I have a chance to do well.”

Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Chief Executive, said: “I’m delighted Alex is returning to Formula Two for our third season.  He was really quick in our very competitive winter testing and I certainly expect Alex to be fighting for the title.  I have known Martin for many years, and Alex certainly possesses the same drive and determination to succeed!  He clearly enjoyed a frustrating year in British Formula 3 where he wasn’t in the best car, but I am sure that his talent will once again flourish in the equal environment of F2, particularly now that he has more experience.”

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Frenchman targets podiums after impressive winter testing

France’s Benjamin Lariche has today (20 January) been confirmed as the second driver to return to Formula Two for the 2011 season, following the announcement that Britain’s Jack Clarke will also rejoin the series.

Lariche enjoyed an encouraging first season in F2, which was underpinned by striking consistency which saw him collect points in 12 out of 18 races – a record only matched by the championship’s top five drivers.

His best result came in the final round of the year at Valencia, where he qualified second for the opening race before eventually finishing sixth at the chequered flag. He also qualified well at Portimão, Portugal, lining up from fifth for race two, and scored top eight finishes at Monza and Brno. Benjamin then set the outright pace on the second day of winter testing at Portimão in December.

Lariche admitted he was thrilled to return to F2 for a second season, especially given that the championship will visit his home circuit of Magny-Cours in May. “I’m very excited to return to F2,” he enthused. “I improved throughout last season, and finished the year by qualifying on the front row at Valencia, which was a fantastic end. I was also quick in winter testing, so I’m feeling very confident.

“I’m also delighted to be racing at Magny-Cours, which will be a very special event for me with my family and friends coming across. It’s one of several Grand Prix tracks on the calendar for 2011 and that makes F2 even more attractive than last year for me and my partners I think.

“I’m not setting any immediate goals for 2011, because I prefer to concentrate on myself rather than others, but I know if I perform well then I will be fast. My first goal is the top five in the championship, but a top three would be fantastic and I’m confident podiums and even victories will be possible.”

Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Chief Executive, said: "I’m delighted Benjamin is back in F2 this year. He had some strong performances last season, in particular a superb front row qualifying effort at the final event at Valencia, and I am quite sure he will build on his experience in 2011 – he certainly is capable of scoring frequent podiums and race wins.”

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Clarke: "I’m full of confidence and my aim is to win"

Britain’s Jack Clarke has today (18/01) been unveiled as the first driver to be announced for the 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship, and the 22-year-old has already set his sights on winning the title.

2010 proved to be a very promising year for Clarke, as he recorded three podium finishes – including second place in the opening race at Brands Hatch and the final race of the year at Valencia – and four further top ten results.

The Effingham-born racer carried his momentum into F2’s winter tests at Portimão and Barcelona, finishing as the fastest driver in six separate sessions and never finishing outside the top three despite the presence of a highly talented field which included Formula 3 Euro Series race winner António Félix Da Costa – who impressed for the Force India F1 team at official Rookie testing in 2010 – Italian Formula 3 Champion César Ramos and 2009 European F3 Open Champion Bruno Méndez.

Clarke admits such form has left him full of optimism ahead of the 2011 campaign, and insists regular victories will be his main focus.

"It’s nice to go in full of confidence," Clarke explained, "but I don’t just want to carry on where I left off in 2010 – I want to win, and win consistently.

"This is my third year in the championship, but I don’t think that will be important if I go out there and win it; that would be the best possible answer I could give. Motor racing is a confidence game – confidence breeds results and results breed confidence, and in F2 I’m very relaxed and in a good state of mind ahead of the season’s start."

After occasional bad luck deprived him of chances to record points finishes in 2010, Jack admitted he had considered other series for 2011 but felt none compared to the value and opportunity provided by F2 – a decision his sponsors also echoed.

"We looked quite seriously at other series for this year, but F2 proved to be a no-brainer for us really," he said. "To know there is a chance to test in Formula One at the end of the season is an incredible motivator, but you also have the GP2 test prizes which are very significant.

"Overall we felt Formula Two was a better package, and I have to say thank you to my sponsors who felt that F2 was the place they wanted to be. It’s going to be very exciting going to some of the historic circuits on the 2011 calendar – places where my heroes have raced in the past – so I can’t wait for the season to start. It might not be a walk in the park, but I’ve been working hard throughout the winter and I’m confident I can hit the ground running at Silverstone!"

F2 Series Director Jonathan Palmer said: "Jack Clarke was increasingly impressive during the 2010 season, and his podiums at the Algarve, Brands Hatch and Valencia proved his obvious speed and talent. He was also sensational during our winter testing programme, and I expect him to be a multiple race winner with a very realistic chance of winning the title this year. I’m delighted to unveil Jack as our first confirmed driver for 2011, and I look forward to further announcements over the coming weeks as the line-up for our third season of competition continues to take shape."

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The FIA Formula Two Championship will benefit from a significantly enhanced TV package for the 2011 season, with more than 130 hours of broadcast time as a flagship championship for the Motors TV network.

Available in 39 countries across the world but predominantly in Europe, Motors TV will show each of the 16 races live as part of a one hour program which will include a qualifying review, pre-race build up and podium and post-race interviews – placing a far heavier focus on F2 drivers than ever before.

Each event will receive major exposure and promotion across all Motors TV platforms, including their website, while each race will be shown without interruption or adverts. All races will also receive at least six full repeat screenings.

In addition, Motors TV will produce a four hour end-of-season review show, which will be screened at least six times – offering more than 130 hours of broadcast time in total, compared with just over 74 hours in 2010.

Another upgrade to F2 in 2011 is the introduction of fixed times for all races, as in Formula One, which means that the F2 races will be broadcast at regular times throughout the season, while Motors TV and Formula Two will jointly appoint a knowledgeable and permanent commentator and presenter for the 2011 season.

To supplement its coverage on Motors TV, Formula Two is working with the Performance Communications Group (PCG), an established television rights distributor, to secure wider distribution of race footage to achieve a huge global reach in key areas such as all of Europe, the Americas, India, Australia, Japan and China. PCG will produce a one hour highlights show of each F2 weekend within 72 hours of its completion.

As part of its commitment to enable F2 races to be viewed live throughout the world, every race will be broadcast live and free to air across the world on the official Formula Two website with better coverage than ever.

F2 will also be prominently featured in the weekly Motorsports Mundial program, which is delivered to 546 million households around the world.

For the first time, Formula Two will retain all rights and ownership of its footage from 2011, and is committed to providing each of its drivers with television coverage in their local area – offering compelling exposure for drivers and their sponsors.

F2 Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer said: “This is an exciting time for F2. We are delighted F2 will be one of the leading motor racing championships broadcast on Motors TV in 2011 and that the extended coverage can make F2 much closer to F1 in style of program. Motors TV is internationally acclaimed for its motorsport coverage, also broadcasting the FIA World Rally Championship, LMES and Australian V8 Supercars. For the first time F2 will have direct control on extending coverage to other countries and by also directing our own F2 program we can guarantee exposure for drivers’ sponsors, which has not previously been possible.  Finally with every race screened live on-line at www.formulatwo.com coverage will be available for all.”

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MSV confirms enhanced rewards for championship top three

The FIA Formula Two Championship will offer one of the most prestigious prize packages in world motorsport in 2011, building upon the already outstanding reward of a full test with the Williams Formula One team for the champion by introducing GP2 tests for the second and third place finishers.

The competitiveness of the Formula Two Championship and the equality of the cars have been proven by F2 title winners Andy Soucek and Dean Stoneman, who both excelled in their F1 tests for Williams. Jolyon Palmer, 2010 F2 championship runner up, also impressed in the recent GP2 tests at Abu Dhabi.

Williams F1, which has amassed 16 FIA Formula One World Championships in total and designed the JPH1B Formula Two cars for series operators MSV, has confirmed that its successful relationship with F2 will continue in 2011.

Williams F1 Chairman Adam Parr explained: “Williams F1 is proud of its continued association with the increasingly successful FIA Formula Two Championship. When we embarked on the project with MotorSport Vision in 2008, our objective was to provide aspiring young racing drivers with a proving ground in which to develop their talents at a reasonable cost.

“The championship is clearly achieving those objectives and producing some of the sport’s future stars. We are therefore delighted to maintain our support for a third year by rewarding the 2011 series champion with the opportunity of a Formula One test session with the AT&T Williams team.”

Alongside the Williams prize test for the champion, the 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship will reward its second and third place finishers with GP2 tests – establishing a clear and comprehensive route for the world’s best young talents to progress into the highest tiers of motor racing. The top three will also become eligible for an FIA Super Licence, required to compete in Formula One Grands Prix.

F2 Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer said: “The continuation of the Williams F1 test for the 2011 Formula Two Champion is a huge benefit, particularly as it takes place over a full day during the coveted F1 Rookie tests. Williams are the perfect partner for F2 and they really provide the best opportunity possible for our championship winner. With GP2 being a well proven route to F1 we believe it’s important to award GP2 tests for second and third placed drivers to reinforce our seriousness about F2 providing the most cost effective path towards F1.”

Drivers interested in competing in the 2011 FIA Formula Two Championship should contact the Championship Co-ordinator, James Gornall. He is based at Bedford Autodrome in the UK and can be contacted at james.gornall@formulatwo.com or on 0044 1234 332439.

Briton fastest as F2’s winter tests conclude in Catalunya

Jack Clarke put the seal on a fantastic F2 winter testing campaign by finishing fastest on the final day of the second test at Barcelona.

With prime conditions in the first hour of the day, Clarke made a decisive call to switch to new rubber early in the first hour of the day and it paid dividends as he stormed to a 1:37.121s. Several drivers mirrored the move and also set their best times in the first hour, although others were able to make a slight improvement when the overboost function was enabled for the final evening session.

Clarke though set the standard and finished more than half a second clear of the rest of the field, continuing his remarkable trend of finishing inside the top three in every session during the four days of winter testing at Portimão and Barcelona.

“Testing has been fantastic really,” Clarke enthused. “I feel like I have finally found the consistency and speed on new tyres, and it’s been a real confidence booster to finish inside the top three in every session. I did my time nice and early today when the track was especially good, but it was also a very good lap. The tests have certainly made F2 a very strong option for us, and if I can carry this form and intensity into a 2011 championship campaign I believe it will mark me out as an early favourite.”

Spain’s Ramón Piñeiro enjoyed an impressive showing at the Catalan circuit and ended the day second fastest after also setting his best time in the first hour of running. 2010 Italian Formula 3 Champion César Ramos meanwhile ended the day in style by topping the evening session – bettering his best time from the morning to end third fastest overall.

Behind Ramos, yesterday’s pacesetter Alex Brundle again looked strong on his return to F2 and finished fourth fastest overall despite having his best time discounted as red flags were issued moments before he crossed the line. Brundle also topped the afternoon session, and matched Ramos in setting his best time in the evening after running on old rubber during the morning.

Having joined winter testing at Barcelona, Switzerland’s Christopher Zanella impressed throughout the two days – finishing inside the top eight in every session and ending the day fifth fastest overall. Experienced F2 pilots Mihai Marinescu and Benjamin Lariche were separated by just one thousandth of a second in sixth and seventh, with 2010 Formula Palmer Audi Champion making strides in the final 30 minutes of the day to round out the top eight.

British Formula Ford racewinner Daniel Cammish finished the day ninth fastest ahead of 2010 F2 pilot Kelvin Snoeks, who only contested the morning session. Max Snegirev meanwhile edged out Thiemo Storz to finish 12^th fastest, Storz bringing about the first of two red flag periods at the close of the day as he went off into the gravel on the outside of turn three.

Dominik Kraihamer was 13^th fastest ahead of the day’s two new drivers, China’s Martin Qing Hua and Finland’s Jukka Honkavuori, who improved steadily throughout the day to end 14^th and 15^th respectively. Plamen Kralev rounded out the runners in 16^th.

FIA Formula Two Championship – Barcelona – Day Two:

1. Jack Clarke, 1.37.121s
2. Ramón Piñeiro, +0.537s
3. César Ramos, +0.722s
4. Alex Brundle, +0.833s
5. Christopher Zanella, +0.847s
6. Mihai Marinescu, +0.983s
7. Benjamin Lariche, +0.984s
8. Nigel Moore, +1.182s
9. Daniel Cammish, +1.459s
10. Kelvin Snoeks, +1.591s
11. Max Snegirev, +1.751s
12. Thiemo Storz, +1.864s
13. Dominik Kraihamer, +1.927s
14. Martin Qing Hua, +1.955s
15. Jukka Honkavuori, +2.386s
16. Plamen Kralev, +3.952s

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Briton edges out compatriot Jack Clarke to finish on top after day one

Alex Brundle finished fastest on the opening day of Formula Two winter testing at Barcelona today, rising to the top of the timesheets in the closing stages of the final overboost-enabled session.

Brundle, fourth and second in the day’s earlier sessions, set his overall best with 12 minutes of the session remaining, meaning he faced an anxious wait as several drivers took turns trying to better his time.

Afternoon pacesetter Jack Clarke ensured a dramatic finish as he set his fastest time in the final 30 seconds of the session, going purple in sector two but ultimately falling just over a tenth of a second shy of Brundle’s benchmark. Brundle therefore ended the session – and the day – fastest, marking an impressive return to F2 following a season competing in British Formula 3.

“I really enjoyed the day, and obviously it’s a great result to take away for us,” Brundle said. “We steadily improved through the day, and I had the car just where I wanted it for the last session which was great. I’m very happy to be where we are, but we have to carry on working as I’m sure everyone else will be doing tonight and stay on top tomorrow.”

Behind Brundle and Clarke, Formula Three Euroseries competitor Christopher Zanella ended the day third fastest ahead of fellow newcomer and Italian F3 Champion César Ramos. Benjamin Lariche wasn’t able to improve in the final 45 minute session, but his best time of the day was good enough for fifth fastest at the close.

France’s Maxime Jousse, who tested as part of his prize for finishing runner-up in the 2010 Formula Palmer Audi Championship, finished sixth fastest ahead of 2010 F2 competitor Mihai Marinescu, who set the pace in tricky morning conditions.

Fellow returnee Kelvin Snoeks was eighth fastest, ahead of Spain’s Ramón Piñeiro – who was unlucky to see his best lap in the final session discounted after red flags came out moments before he crossed the line.

2010 Formula Palmer Audi Champion Nigel Moore was the next best newcomer in tenth position, finishing ahead of Germany’s Thiemo Storz, who crashed heavily into the barriers at the start of the afternoon. Daniel Cammish was the only driver other than Lariche to not improve in the final 45 minutes and he ended the day 12^th fastest as a result, having run inside the top ten for much of the day. Dominik Kraihamer, Max Snegirev and Plamen Kralev rounded out the day’s runners.

The test concludes tomorrow, with Finland’s Jukka Honkavuori and China’s Martin Qing Hua will gain their first experience of the Williams JPH1B F2 car. Qing Hua, who competed in Superleague this year, will become the first Chinese driver to sample the new era of Formula Two.

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FIA Formula Two Championship runner up Jolyon Palmer will take part in all four days of the official GP2 tests at Abu Dhabi on 23/24 and 27/28 November. The 19-year-old will drive for iSport on the first two days, and then Addax and ART on the third and fourth days respectively.
Palmer had a very impressive 2010 season in F2, taking five wins and ten podiums to clinch second in the championship. He is now targeting progression to GP2 for 2011.
"After finishing second in F2 this season, GP2 is the logical next step," explained Palmer, "I would love to be racing there in 2011 and would hope I could do a good job. However GP2 is clearly hugely competitive and it is important for me to take advantage of every bit of test time prior to the start of the 2011 season to begin learning."
"We wanted to have the best possible opportunity for me to try and prove my potential and teams to evaluate my ability. I am delighted that leading GP2 teams iSport, Addax and ART have all been sufficiently impressed with my F2 performance to give me the opportunity to join them, which I really appreciate".
Palmer admits that driving a GP2 car at Abu Dhabi for the first time is going to be a major challenge. "In some ways it’s hard to know what to expect," Palmer said, "it’s a new car, a new track and there will be many drivers with more experience than me, but I’m confident I can do a good job."
"Testing with three of the leading teams obviously adds a bit of pressure, but while it would be good to finish high up the order, it’s also important for me to be pleased with my own performance and understand my strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately I need to impress the teams and show them I have potential, and I’m confident I can do that."
Jolyon also paid tribute to the impact Formula Two has had on his career, saying: "F2 has been brilliant this year. I have learnt a huge amount and F2 has been great for my confidence because I know I genuinely outperformed all but one driver in a field of 20 identical cars.
"My main focus at Abu Dhabi is obviously doing the business out on circuit, but it’s also important to give good feedback and build relations within the teams. I want to be in GP2 next year and through this test programme I know I have the opportunity to prove I deserve it."

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F2 champion sets impressive pace in Abu Dhabi

Recently crowned FIA Formula Two Champion Dean Stoneman was fifth fastest at the end of the first Formula One young driver test at Abu Dhabi today (16 November).

The young Briton recorded a competitive 1:41.522s in the closing stages of the day to move into fifth overall, fractions behind Esteban Gutierrez, who was recently confirmed as Sauber’s official test driver for 2011.

Impressively, his benchmark time eclipsed the best practice efforts of both Rubens Barrichello and Nico Hülkenberg when they competed in F1’s season finale at the Yas Marina track two days ago – Barrichello recording a 1:42.316s and Hülkenberg a 1:41.934s. He was remarkably just one tenth of a second shy of Hülkenberg’s qualifying effort, which the German driver set in the second part of the session.

“That was slightly different to what I’m used to!” Stoneman reflected after the test. “It was good to start off with some speed-limited aero work as it allowed me to build up to doing quicker laps in the afternoon. Towards the end of the day, I just kept pushing to see where the limit of the car was and where I could improve my times around the lap. Today was a great experience and the team have been really supportive. It’s also been a major opportunity for me. To be given the chance of driving a Formula One car doesn’t come around that often, so I feel very privileged.”

Williams F1 Senior Engineer Tom McCullough admitted the team had also been pleased with Stoneman’s performance on the day, saying: Dean Stoneman was in the cockpit today for the first day of the young driver test. We did aero work this morning, from which we’ve accumulated useful data. Dean used the afternoon to familiarise himself with the car and put some times on the board. He went quicker every lap he completed, worked well with his engineers and overall did a professional job for the team. We’re impressed by him.”

Stoneman, whose test was part of his prize for winning the 2010 FIA Formula Two Championship, had earlier set the ninth fastest time overall in the morning despite mainly concentrating on aerodynamic work.

The afternoon provided him with more opportunity to hone his skills in Williams‘ FW32 challenger, and he duly improved throughout the final three hours to eventually end the day fifth fastest – ahead of Formula Renault 3.5 Champion Mikhail Aleshin, British Formula 3 Champion Jean-Eric Vergne and long term Force India test driver Paul di Resta.

Daniel Ricciardo ended the day fastest, ensuring Red Bull remained at the top of the F1 timesheets just days after the team clinched a world championship double at the circuit.

Formula One test times, Yas Marina circuit, 16 November 2010:

1. Daniel Ricciardo*, Red Bull, 1:39.616s
2. Oliver Turvey*, McLaren, 1:40.725s
3. Antonio Felix da Costa, Force India, 1:41.381s
4. Esteban Gutierrez*, Sauber, 1:41.432s
5. Dean Stoneman, Williams, 1:41.522s
6. Mikhail Aleshin*, Renault, 1:42.073s
7. Jean-Eric Vergne, Toro Rosso, 1:42.489s
8. Paul di Resta*, Force India, 1:42.736s
9. Sam Bird*, Mercedes, 1:42.985s
10. Jerome D’Ambrosio*, Virgin, 1:43.518s
11. Pastor Maldonado, HRT, 1:43.750s
12. Jules Bianchi*, Ferrari, 1:43.894s
13. Rodolfo Gonzalez, Lotus, 1:44.924s
14. Rio Haryanto, Virgin, 1:49.439s 

* Previous F1 experience

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Championship travels to Portugal and Spain in December for four days of testing

Following a highly successful and intensely competitive second season of competition in 2010, the FIA Formula Two Championship is running a four-day winter test programme in Portugal and Spain this December.

The tests are open to any driver subject to F2 approval, and will run at Portimão – recently reinstalled as an F1 test venue – and Barcelona, Spain’s most prestigious racing circuit.

Drivers will have the chance to test in the sophisticated Williams-designed JPH1B F2 car, which incorporates a cockpit-adjustable front wing and anti-roll bar, paddle shift gearbox and overboost facility which takes power up to 480bhp in six second bursts.

2010 FIA Formula Two Championship – Winter Testing

New drivers will receive a detailed briefing on the F2 cars and their operating systems, with full support being provided from expert F2 engineers. Every driver will also be able to compare their data to the data from the overall fastest lap in each and every session, providing total transparency and creating an ideal learning environment.

Drivers will also benefit from full onboard videos throughout the testing programme, with the ability to overlay their video with that of the fastest driver from each and every session.

Two new sets of tyres will be made available per day, and drivers will also have the ability to bring family, guests or sponsors with full F2 hospitality being provided throughout.

Formula Two held a similar test programme in the winter of 2009, which met with great acclaim from all who participated. In total 25 drivers got to grips with the Williams JPH1 F2 car, with 12 progressing onto the 2010 F2 grid.

Winter Testing in the FIA Formula Two Championship is now available, and interested parties should contact the Championship Co-ordinator, James Gornall at james.gornall@formulatwo.com or on 0044 1234 332439.