Bacheta sampled F2 in 2011, with four top ten finishes from four races - Photo Credit: FIA Formula Two Championship

Luciano Bacheta is the first driver to be announced for the FIA Formula Two Championship in 2012, and the Briton is aiming for the title.

The 21-year-old switched from GP3 to F2 in the second half of last year, and scored top ten results in each of the four races he contested at the Red Bull Ring and Monza. In 2010 he finished runner-up in the Formula Renault Eurocup, earning himself a place as a finalist for the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award.

Having now committed to a full campaign in the championship, his sights are set on the Williams test reserved for the champion,

“I’m really excited to be driving in Formula Two this season and to have it all confirmed so early in the year so I can get my head down and focus on the task ahead,” said the Bacheta. “Last year I contested four races and enjoyed every one and was impressed with the set up of F2, so it’s great to be running a full campaign in 2012.

“My aim is to be at the front and of course I would love to get my hands on the Williams F1 prize test, although I know the competition is going to be tough, especially from returning drivers. It’s also exciting to have an upgraded, quicker F2 car for this season and I’m looking forward to driving it.”

F2’s Jonathan Palmer said: “We’re delighted to welcome back Luciano to Formula Two. I’ve known him well since his early days of T-Cars back in 2006 and have followed his career ever since, and he’s clearly an exciting prospect.

“He was instantly a front-runner when he joined the championship at the end of last year and took little time to adapt to the Williams designed F2 car. Luciano will be a major contender for the championship this year.”

Jonathan Palmer and Kazu Sekiguchi after unveiling the upgraded F2 car - Photo Credit: FIA Formula Two Championship

The FIA Formula Two Championship will utilise Yokohama tyres for the 2012 season, on an upgraded, faster car.

The improvements that have been made to the Williams-designed single-seater are worth around two seconds-per-lap, and have been developed over the past year with the help of reigning champion Mirko Bortolotti.

The most significant aspect of the upgrade is the switch of tyre supplier from Avon to Japanese manufacturer Yokohama. The new tyres will offer improved stability and balance, as well as offer more precise feedback to the drivers. An additional set of slick tyres will also be made available to each driver, to give them more running on fresh rubber during every weekend.

The car will also feature new carbon composite brakes, reducing weight and increasing performance. During the recent tests at Barcelona the improved machine posted a fastest time that was 2.363 seconds quicker than the quickest lap recorded by one of the older cars.

“We’re delighted to confirm our new partnership between Formula Two and Yokohama,” said series chief executive Jonathan Palmer, after unveiling the 2012 car at Autosport International Show in Birmingham on Thursday together with Yokohama’s Head of Motorsport Kazu Sekiguchi.

“Given the impressive results achieved in testing so far we’re confident our new tyres will deliver enhanced performance both in terms of pace and also consistency, which is crucial in maintaining the completely equal environment of F2. This forms a significant part of an upgrade package that will see the Williams JPH1B F2 car lap around two seconds faster than its 2011 equivalent. We’re now looking forward to working with Yokohama on further developments ahead of the season opener at Silverstone in April.”

Also present was the managing director of Yokohama’s UK arm David Seward. “F2 has quickly established a name as one of the most exciting championships around and we are very proud to have been chosen as the control tyre for such a prestigious race series,” he said. “This is a fantastic platform to demonstrate the quality, performance and technology that is synonymous with the Yokohama brand and we look forward with great excitement to the season ahead.”

Bortolotti commented: “The car felt good and performed really well. The new tyres perfectly suit the car and react well offering increased grip, even at Barcelona which is very hard on tyres. These combined well with the new brakes which are 12 kilos lighter and allowed me to brake harder and later.

“Throughout the test we were consistently lapping quickly, in and around the 1:34s, and I think from a driver’s point of view all these features will improve the feeling of the F2 car and be a good thing for the 2012 season.”

Hector makes some final adjustments before heading out on track in Barcelona

Hector Hurst says that a Formula Two campaign is amongst his possibilities for 2012 after a competitive debut test showing at Barcelona.

The Lymington-based driver contested both days of the test, and had a good first day, quickly getting the hang of the car and the Catalan circuit – despite an engine fire forcing him out of action for two of the day’s four sessions.

“In F2 there are no teams, everyone runs under one roof,” said Hurst. “I was unsure of this at first, but as soon as we got testing I really liked it. It meant me and Kieren [Clark, driver coach] could work together the whole time and meant I only needed to do little work with my engineer as the base set up was not too far away from where I wanted the car to be.

“The first session on day one went as I wanted, I was able to relax, learn the track, get used to the car and most of all enjoy it. The car and the track were surprisingly easy to get used to and I felt like I had been driving both for ages. Then the engine set itself on fire and I had to sit out the next two sessions, though I got out for the final one. We decided that even though we had only done sixteen laps in total, we would go straight for a new tyre run.

“The final session of each day is run like a qualifying session, so you are allowed to use your eight boosts in it. On lap three I got under the pole time from the race meeting previously, which was a nice end to the day considering out limited mileage.”

His laptime gave him the eighth quickest time of the afternoon – and put him 11^th overall at the end of the day.

After doing setup work during the morning of the second day, Hurst shone in the third session of the day by posting the third quickest time – just two tenths shy of 2011 F2 runner-up Christopher Zanella. An error in the final session of the test left him down in 13^th overall.

“The next day we spent the morning playing a little with the set up and saving tyres, before we went for a time in both afternoon sessions. In the first session in the afternoon, I ended up third, 0.2 seconds off first, which was okay as I knew immediately where the time was.

“In the final session I did a few laps on old tyres then came in for our final set of new rubber. Your key lap was vital for two reasons, you used five of your eight boosts on it and because tyres went off extremely fast, so you only had one go at getting P1.

“I set up the lap well and it was going nicely until the last corner, where I met a slow car. I knew I would not have another chance at P1, so I kept it flat around the outside, where I was greeted by all the marbles in the world and eventually the gravel trap.

“Although frustrating not to have the time, it was okay because we still had the data for almost a full lap and due to the unique way F2 is run, I could compare it to the eventual P1 lap and find that mine was quite favorable which was promising. As on both days, we were either forced to or chose to do our new tyre runs in the afternoon, when the track was up to two seconds slower than the morning, our overall positions don’t appear amazing, however I know otherwise and that’s fine. The car was very enjoyable to drive, very comparable to the feel of a BARC Formula Renault, but with much more grip and power. It was a very useful two days.”

After making a strong debut in Formula Renault UK in the Finals Series, Hurst had been looking towards a campaign in the Eurocup in 2012, but a lack of testing has left him looking at alternatives – including F2.

“The way our off season has panned out meant that we didn’t have the time to fit in enough testing to make winning the Eurocup the likely outcome of a campaign. Therefore my management wanted to see what would happen if they threw me in at the deep end with this test and the result was good. I now need to sit down with my manager to discuss our plans for 2012 and after the tests; F2 will be on our discussion list.”

Christopher Zanella - Photo Credit: FIA Formula Two Championship

FIA Formula Two Championship runner-up Christopher Zanella recorded the fastest time on the second and final day of testing at the Circuit de Catalunya.

The Swiss driver set the pace in the opening of the day’s four sessions, with a best time that would remain unbeaten for the remainder of the day – just.

German F3 driver Markus Pommer came close with the best time in the fourth and final session, missing out on Zanella’s benchmark by a narrow 0.014 seconds.

2011 race winner Mihai Marinescu ended up third fastest with his time from the first session, ahead of European F3 Open champion Alex Fontana. Italian F3 graduate Edoardo Liberati completed the top five.

German driver Riccardo Brutschin was next up, just ahead of Formula Renault 3.5 regular Daniel McKenzie and Dutch F2 regular Kelvin Snoeks. Italian GP3 pilot Vittorio Ghirelli was ninth, with debutant Matheo Tuscher completing the top ten. The 15-year-old Frenchman – who this year won the Formula Pilota series in China – posted the quickest time of anyone in the day’s third session.

James Cole replaced yesterday’s pacesetter Miki Monras in the no. 2 car and was 11th fastest, ahead of fellow Brits Formula Ford champion Scott Malvern and Formula Renault BARC driver Hector Hurst.

Max Snegirev was 14th, ahead of Swiss Formula Renault graduate Mauro Calamia, Croatian Sascha Radola and Sandro Zeller. Brit Alex Craven was bottom of the pile, as he was yesterday.

Barcelona winter testing, day two afternoon (combined) results:

1. Christopher Zanella, 1:37.075s
2. Markus Pommer, +0.014s
3. Mihai Marinescu, +0.108s
4. Alex Fontana, +0.258s
5. Edoardo Liberati, +0.304s
6. Riccardo Brutschin, +0.351s
7. Daniel McKenzie, +0.403s
8. Kelvin Snoeks, +0.499s
9. Vittorio Ghirelli, +0.500s
10. Matheo Tuscher, +0.533s

Miki Monras - Photo Credit: FIA Formula Two Championship

Catalan Miki Monras set the pace on home soil on the opening day of Formula 2 winter testing at Barcelona. The top three on the timesheets at the end of the day were all experienced F2 racers, but there were also creditable performance from series newcomers.

Monras, who finished fourth in the 2011 standings, set his quickest time of the day during the first of the four sessions. In the second session it was Italian youngster and GP3 regular Vittorio Ghirelli who set the pace.

Into the afternoon, and it was Romanian Mihai Marinescu, who won at Monza towards the end of the season, who posted the quickest time in the third session of the day. Monras returned to the top of the timesheets in the fourth and final session, though it was his benchmark from the opening session that had remained quickest for the entire day.

Marinescu’s time gave him second place on the combined leaderboard, ahead of another F2 race-winner Christopher Zanella. Ghirelli was the top rookie in fourth, ahead of impressive German F3 driver Markus Pommer and French driver Maxime Jousse – who raced in Italian F3 this year after graduating from Formula Palmer Audi.

European F3 Open champion Alex Fontana was seventh, just ahead of Formula Ford champion Scott Malvern. Italian F3 driver Edoardo Liberati and F2 regular Kelvin Snoeks completed the top ten. Formula Renault BARC driver Hector Hurst wound up 11^th fastest ahead of German Riccardo Brutschin.

Formula Renault 3.5 driver Daniel McKenzie ended 13^th overall ahead of MSV F3 Cup prize winner Aaron Steele. Croatia’s Sasha Radola – a former Formula Renault BARC driver – was next up in 15^th, ahead of Switzerland’s Mauro Calamia, Sandro Zeller and another MSV F3 Cup driver Alex Craven.

Barcelona winter testing, day one results (combined):

1. Miki Monras, 1:35.950s
2. Mihai Marinescu, +0142s
3. Christopher Zanella, +0.583s
4. Vittorio Ghirelli, +0.773s
5. Markus Pommer, +0.924s
6. Maxime Jousse, +1.342s
7. Alex Fontana, +1.489s
8. Scott Malvern, +1.691s
9. Edoardi Liberati, +1.706s
10. Kelvin Snoeks, +1.735s

Malvern did plenty of champagne-spraying in a record-breaking 2011 campaign - Photo Credit: Jakob Ebrey Photography

Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Champion of Great Britain Scott Malvern will take part in the official FIA Formula Two test at Barcelona next week ahead of a possible step up to the series in 2012.

Malvern, who won the Formula Ford in style with a record 18 wins from 24 races, will be joined at the test by the driver who finished runner-up to him – Dutchman Jeroen Slaghekke. Both have been given the test as a prize for their success this season.

“I’m looking to make the jump up to a higher category and F2 offers that at great value for money, together with racing on Grand Prix circuits and ensuring everyone has the same chance,” said Malvern.

“If I were to race it would be a two-year campaign as F2 is very competitive. This test is certainly a great prize to be awarded, especially with F2 fast becoming a recognised route on the motorsport ladder, and I’m hoping to use it as a springboard to F2 next year.”

22-year-old Malvern has already experienced the 500bhp JPH1B car as a finalist in the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award for the past two years.

“It’s a very good car that has been well designed and thought out. I’m looking forward to the test and to get some good mileage, as although I’ve sampled it before that was very stop/start.”

19-year-old Slaghekke added: “I’m definitely looking forward to the test. The F2 car is a lot more powerful with a big speed difference to the Formula Ford so it will be a new experience for me and on a new track. We’ll have to see how it goes but F2 could be a possible option for a future season.”

Formula Ford championship co-ordinator Penny Mattocks commented: “Scott Malvern and Jeroen Slaghekke will get to enjoy a very special test and one we’re confident will enrich their future choices in motorsport, and help give recognition to their promising racing careers.”

Malvern and Slaghekke join F3 champions Aaron Steele and Alex Fontana, Italian F3 graduate Edoardo Liberati and German F3 racer Riccardo Brutschin as being confirmed for the test.

Steele sits in an F2 car during his seat fitting

Kent-based driver Aaron Steele will test at Formula Two car next week – his prize of a dominant season in the MSV F3 Cup during 2011.

Steele will take part in the series’ official winter test at the Circuit de Catalunya that starts on December 13. A seat fitting – at Bedford Autodrome last month – will ensure Steele in comfortable in the cockpit but the 22-year-old admits he faces some new challenges.

“There’s going to be a few things to quickly get on top of as the car is a bit more advanced than the F3 car I have been accustomed to racing this year. For starters I will have to left foot brake and there is a hand clutch with paddles to change gear.”

However, he adds; “This shouldn’t be too much of a challenge as I had to quickly adapt to this when I tested the A1GP car back in 2008, although it will still be a lot different to what I’m used to.”

The F2 car he will test produces 425 horsepower, rising to 500 on the car’s overboost – a feature Steele says he will enjoy, but the additional power compared to the his regular 2011 car will bring additional physical strain he has been training to cope with.

“I am preparing as hard as I can for what will sure be a very demanding drive, with the increase levels of downforce compared to the F3 car I am used to. Particularly I have been focusing on my neck and doing all I can to build that up so it will cope with the increased loads.”

Steele won 14 of the 18 races over the course of the F3 Cup season and now the opportunity to test alongside F2 regulars gives Steele the chance to impress, on the track that hosts the Spanish Grand Prix.

“After watching F1 race at Barcelona on TV for many years I’m really looking forward to actually getting the opportunity to drive it myself,” he said. “It looks to be a real good mix between tight technical corners and fast flowing ones, I can’t wait to take on the challenge and my aim is to stamp my authority during the day, to send out a clear message of Intent.”

Monza will play host to the season finale in 2012 - Photo Credit: FIA Formula Two Championship

FIA Formula Two Championship organisers have unveiled the calendar for the fourth year of the relaunched series, which will take in five current Grand Prix venues including the new addition of the Hungaroring.

For the third consecutive year the season will begin with a standalone round at Silverstone, in April. The championship will then move onto Portimao in Portugal, making its return to the F2 schedule after last appearing in 2010.

The Nurburgring in Germany and Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium host the next two rounds at the end of May and June respectively. The series will then return to British soil and Brands Hatch before making its debut at Paul Ricard in France.

The Hungaroring near Budapest will host the penultimate round of the season, before the year concludes at Monza in Italy.

“After three very successful seasons of the FIA Formula Two Championship, our 2012 calendar is based around Grand Prix circuits, which our F1 focused drivers favour,” said series chief Jonathan Palmer.

“F2 will continue to provide drivers with substantial track time and learning opportunity at each of these exceptional venues. No other championship offers such an enticing combination of outstanding value, vehicle performance and the chance to race on so many F1 circuits.”

2012 FIA Formula Two Championship Calendar:

13/14/15 April – Silverstone, United Kingdom
27/28/29 April – Algarve, Portugal
25/26/27 May – Nürburgring, Germany
22/23/24 June – Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
13/14/15 July – Brands Hatch, United Kingdom
20/21/22 July – Paul Ricard, France
7/8/9 Sept – Hungaroring, Hungary*
28/29/30 Sept – Monza, Italy

*Subject to ASN approval

Mirko Bortolotti - Photo Credit: FIA Formula Two Championship

Mirko Bortolotti brought the curtain down on a largely dominant season in the FIA Formula Two Championship with a second cruise to victory from as many races at the season finale at Barcelona.

After winning Saturday’s race, the Italian again seemed in a class of his own at the Circuit de Catalunya. Starting from pole position, he had to defend from local Ramon Pineiro at the first corner but held onto the lead and stretched his margin over the Spaniard to eight seconds over the course of the 22 lap race.

It was Bortolotti’s seventh win of the year, matching Andy Soucek’s record from 2009 and bringing his overall tally in the series to eight – itself a new record.

“I knew it was going to be decided on the start but my start was very bad,” he said. “I’m disappointed about that, but I managed to brake really late into Turn 1 and pass Ramon on the outside, which is not easy.

“That was the key for this win as once you get your position, it’s difficult for the guy behind to get a run to overtake you, so I knew it was going to be very important to be first at the end of the first lap.

“I wanted to win this race because I wanted to make it eight Formula Two wins. I’m very proud about this and winning the last two races in Formula Two is fantastic and that’s my way to say goodbye to all these people I had the pleasure to work with these two seasons, so I’m delighted and I’m very happy.”

Pineiro’s second place was his seventh from the last eight races, but it left him four points short of the runner-up spot that was sealed by Christopher Zanella, who finished the race seventh.

Mihai Marinescu made a flying start from fourth on the grid to challenge Bortolotti and Pineiro into the first corner, but would settle for third ahead of Miki Monras, who wasn’t able to make it a double podium weekend at his local track.

Alex Brundle kept Kelvin Snoeks and Zanella at bay to finish fifth. Mikkel Mac came home eighth after passing Jack Clarke, who kept Benjamin Lariche behind him to finish ninth.

Barcelona, Race two result:

1. Mirko Bortolotti, 22 Laps
2. Ramon Pineiro, +8.073s
3. Mihai Marinescu, +11.782s
4. Miki Monras, +13.008s
5. Alex Brundle, +25.133s
6. Kelvin Snoeks, +25.977s
7. Christopher Zanella, +27.201s
8. Mikkel Mac, +28.002s
9. Jack Clarke, +39.918s
10. Benjamin Lariche, +39.698s

2011 FIA Formula Two Championship – Final driver standings (inc dropped scores):

1. Mirko Bortolotti, 298
2. Christopher Zanella, 189
3. Ramon Pineiro, 185
4. Miki Monras, 153
5. Mihai Marinescu, 138
6. Tobias Hegewald, 121
7. Alex Brundle, 112
8. Jack Clarke, 110
9. Will Bratt, 92
10. Kelvin Snoeks, 40

Mirko Bortolotti celebrates his seventh pole of the season - Photo Credit: FIA Formula Two Championship

2011 FIA Formula Two Champion Mirko Bortolotti has claimed pole position for the final race of the season at Barcelona.

Just like in Saturday’s session, the Italian’s nearest rivals in qualifying were local racers Ramon Pineiro and Miki Monras.

Monras set the early pace before Bortolotti set his pole position time of 1:37.325s. Pineiro, who can claim second place in the final standings if the wins the race, was 0.225s slower than Bortolotti in second. Monras was just a further five thousandths of a second slower in third place.

“I had to test a small thing for qualifying so I did a quick out and in lap,” said Bortolotti. “Then we had one set of tyres, so back to normal qualifying, so I’m very happy with this pole position here. As I said yesterday, on this track it’s very important to have pole position, so now I’m looking forward to the race, it’s going to be my last race in Formula Two, so of course it’s going to be quite an emotional one. Obviously Ramon needs to win but I want to win, so let’s see what happens!”

Mihai Marinescu was fourth ahead of Kelvin Snoeks, Alex Brundle, Tobias Hegewald and Mikkel Mac. Christopher Zanella, the man Pineiro is hoping to overhaul for second, starts only ninth, with Benjamin Lariche tenth.

Barcelona, qualifying two results:

1. Mirko Bortolotti, 1:37.325s
2. Ramon Pineiro, +0.225s
3. Miki Monras, +0.230s
4. Mihai Marinescu, +-.267s
5. Kelvin Snoeks, +1.000s
6. Alex Brundle, +1.107s
7. Tobias Hegewald, +1.209s
8. Mikkel Mac, +1.213s
9. Christopher Zanella, +1.336s
10. Benjamin Lariche, +1.342s

Bortolotti leads Monras and Pineiro early on - Photo Credit: FIA Formula Two Championship

Mirko Bortolotti won the penultimate race of the FIA Formula Two season at Barcelona, converting pole position into victory with a final margin of close to nine seconds.

The 2011 champion was matched by local driver Miki Monras in the opening stages of the race but the Austro-Italian was then able to pull away as Monras struggled with his tyres in the closing stages.

“I’m very happy with that performance,” said Bortolotti. “The start was good and I just tried to get into my rhythm. It’s very difficult to overtake here, so I knew that as long as I didn’t make a mistake I should be able to take the win. I’m happy with that and I think we had good pace throughout the weekend and obviously the new tyres helped me a lot this race, so I’m looking forward to tomorrow now.”

Monras’ fellow Catalan Ramon Pineiro had to defend third place from Tobias Hegewald during the opening few laps, but once he shrugged off the German he had a quiet run to third. The result sealed a top three placing in the standings and with it a GP2 test and an FIA Superlicence.

After losing touch with Pineiro, Hegewald was kept under pressure by Mihai Marinescu for the duration of the race, but the Romanian never got close enough to challenge for fourth position.

Jack Clarke took sixth place from Christopher Zanella at the start of the race, but didn’t have the pace of those in front of him and had a train of four cars behind him for the majority of the race. Again, none of them really got close enough to challenge each other, in what was a processional race. This allowed Clarke to finish sixth ahead of Zanella, Alex Brundle, Kelvin Snoeks and Mikkel Mac. Zanella can be overhauled for the runner-up spot by Pineiro should the Spaniard win Sunday’s race.

Barcelona, race one results:

1. Mirko Bortolotti, 22 Laps
2. Miki Monras, +8.771s
3. Ramon Pineiro, +19.846s
4. Tobias Hegewald, +26.201s
5. Mihai Marinescu, 26.933s
6. Jack Clarke, +39.492s
7. Christopher Zanella, +41.852s
8. Alex Brundle, +43.033s
9. Kelvin Snoeks, +43.588s
10. Mikkel Mac, +44.458s

Mirko Bortolotti - Photo Credit: FIA Formula Two Championship

FIA Formula Two Champion Mirko Bortolotti has claimed pole position for the first of the season-ending races at Barcelona, denying locally born drivers Miki Monras and Ramon Pineiro in the process.

Monras set the early pace in the session, while Bortolotti waited for his moment to hit the track. The Italian went out in the middle part of the session, when the track was clear, and moved into P1 with a time that remained good enough for the rest of the session.

“We took a bit of a gamble today by saving one set of new tyres for the race instead of using them during qualifying,” said Bortolotti. “The car felt good though and we felt we just needed one run although hoping we didn’t get a red flag. I thought it might not be enough for pole as Miki has looked quick all weekend but I’m very happy with pole position and I’m looking forward to the race.”

Monras was two tenths slower than Bortolotti in second place, with fellow Barcelona racer Pineiro climbing the timesheets during the session to place third on his 20^th birthday.

Practice pacesetter Tobias Hegewald was fourth fastest, ahead of Mihai Marinescu and Christopher Zanella, who this weekend hopes to hold onto second place in the standings under pressure from Pineiro.

Jack Clarke edged out Alex Brundle to be top Brit in seventh, with Mikkel Mac and Benjamin Lariche rounding out the top ten.

The 15^th and penultimate race of the season gets underway at 14:25 local time.

Barcelona, qualifying one results:

1. Mirko Bortolotti, 1:37.874s
2. Miki Monras, +0.192s
3. Ramon Pineiro, +0.474s
4. Tobias Hegewald, +0.550s
5. Mihai Marinescu, +0.642s
6. Christopher Zanella, +0.818s
7. Jack Clarke, +0.823s
8. Alex Brundle, +0.851s
9. Mikkel Mac, +0.914s
10. Benjamin Lariche, +1.153s

Tobias Hegewald - Photo Credit: FIA Formula Two Championship

Tobias Hegewald recorded the fastest time of the day during Friday’s two free practice sessions at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya ahead of the FIA Formula Two season finale.

The morning session took place in wet conditions, with local driver Miki Monras going quickest with a time of 2:02.568s. Champion Mirko Bortolotti was second-best, sixth tenths behind. Jack Clarke was third, just ahead of Mikkel Mac, Kelvin Snoeks, Hegewald and Benjamin Lariche.

The circuit was drying out come the afternoon, with Hegewald hitting the front half way through the session and remaining there with a time of 1:38.333s. Bortolotti was second, 0.286s away. Mihai Marinescu was fourth, ahead of early session pacesetter Christopher Zanella, Monras and Clarke.

Free practice one results:

1. Miki Monras, 2:02.568s
2. Mirko Bortolotti, +0.596s
3. Jack Clarke, +1.306s
4. Mikkel Mac, +1.337s
5. Kelvin Snoeks, +1.569s
6. Tobias Hegewald, +1.605s
7. Benjamin Lariche, +1.660s
8. Christopher Zanella, +2.329s
9. James Cole, +2.347s
10. Mihai Marinescu, +2.608s

Free practice two results:

1. Tobias Hegewald, 1:38.333s
2. Mirko Bortolotti, +0.286s
3. Mihai Marinescu, +0.638s
4. Christopher Zanella, +0.684s
5. Miki Monras, +1.229s
6. Jack Clarke, +1.520s
7. Mikkel Mac, +1.580s
8. Kelvin Snoeks, +1.620s
9. Parthiva Sureshwaren, +2.074s
10. Jose Luis Abadin, +2.096s

Miki Monras - Photo Credit: FIA Formula Two Championship

Miki Monras laid down a marker ahead of the FIA Formula Two Championship season finale by setting the pace in testing on Thursday at the Circuit de Catalunya.

It will be a welcome return to form for the 19-year-old from nearby Barcelona, who has had a disappointing run since winning at the season opener at Silverstone.

“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,” he explained. “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.”

His fastest time of the day, a 1:38.279s, came in the first of the four sessions. Recently-crowned champion Mirko Bortolotti was second fastest overall, 0.193s shy. The Italian was the only man to better Monras in any of the day’s sessions, going quicker than the Spaniard in the final wet session.

Alex Brundle was third fastest, and the last man within one second of Monras. Kelvin Snoeks was fourth, with Benjamin Lariche fifth. Jack Clarke was sixth, ahead of Tobias Hegewald, Mihai Marinescu, Mikkel Mac and Thiemo Storz.

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

Aaron Steele with the cheque confirming his F2 prize test.

Aaron Steele has won a test in an FIA Formula Two Championship car at the end of a highly successful season in the MSV F3 Cup.

The award comes after clinching the Sunoco Grand Am 200 Challenge, which will see Steele compete in the support race to the 24 Hours of Daytona next January.

“After a mixed Oulton Park weekend, mechanical problems prevented a usual flowing weekend, but receiving the Formula Two test was a really great moment,” said Steele.

“I had mechanical problems in race 1, so it all came down to getting a great result in race 2,” he explained. “Starting last I knew it was going to be a fun challenge. I got off to a fantastic start and by the end of the first lap was up to fourth place; on lap 4 I took the lead and never looked back, building up almost a 40 second gap between myself and the second place finisher, not bad after starting last.”

The F2 test is set to take place at either Barcelona or Jerez in December, and Steel is looking forward to the opportunity.

“During the podium presentation the announcer said ‘and the winner of the Formula Two test drive’, at which point there was a massive bigger cheer from all the crowd watching. I wasn’t expecting it to be announced at that point and it was a bit of a shock but it just added to the great win I just had and was the cherry on top of a great season,”

“I can’t wait to put the F2 car through its paces, it’s going to be much quicker than the F3 car I’m used to but I’m sure I can adapt well as I have done previously when I tested an A1GP car.”

Prospective F2 drivers will get four days to try out the JPH1B - Photo Credit: FIA Formula Two Championship

FIA Formula Two Championship organisers have announced details of two winter tests to be held at circuits in Spain before the end of the year.

The first of the two-day tests will take place at the Circuito de Jerez on 28/29 November. Located in the south of Spain, the track is a popular venue for Formula 1 testing.

The second test will be at the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona on 13/14 December. The track, home of the Spanish Grand Prix, will first host the F2 season finale next weekend (28-30 October).

Drivers will receive a full briefing on the 500bhp JPH1B car by the F2 engineers. Drivers will have access to data comparison and onboard video analysis, as well as receiving two sets of new tyres per day.

“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,” said F2 Championship Coordinator James Gornall.

“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.”

Mirko Bortolotti celebrates his title - Photo Credit: FIA Formula Two Championship

Mirko Bortolotti wrapped up the FIA Formula Two Championship title in style with a superb victory on home soil in the second race at Monza.

Bortolotti started from pole position but it was Ramon Pineiro alongside him who got the better start and took the lead. Bortolotti regained first position though into the first chicane and then proceeded to open up an eight second margin before taking the checkered flag.

“I don’t have words to explain how I feel now, I think I have to realise it,” he said. “I’m just so happy. It’s been a really good weekend. Unfortunately, yesterday we were unable to get the maximum points even though the race was very good. The aim for today was just trying to take another win and after the pole position obviously that was the main aim.

“The race itself was quite interesting, my start was not so good and Ramon managed to pass me in the first chicane. After that I felt I can be a little bit quicker and tried to get with him in the first couple of laps. As soon as I had a chance I tried to get my nose inside and tried to pass him. Finally I managed and he was very fair in that spot and it could have ended another way for sure.”

Commenting on his title win he added: “For me it was just amazing. It was the aim to win the championship. Before the season you say many things and then you have to prove it on the track, that’s the main thing in racing so finally we did it and I cannot say how I feel, I’m so happy.”

Pineiro had to keep fellow Spaniard Miki Monras behind for the remainder of the race but succeeded to take second. Monras’ third place was his first podium since the season opener at Silverstone.

Alex Brundle lost places at the start but worked his way back up to fourth past Luciano Bacheta. Christopher Zanella beat Jack Clarke to sixth by less than two tenths of a second. Kelvin Snoeks, Tobias Hegewald and Benjamin Lariche rounded out the top ten.

Race two results:

1. Mirko Bortolotti, 21 Laps
2. Ramon Pineiro, +8.861s
3. Miki Monras, +9.198s
4. Alex Brundle, +9.999s
5. Luciano Bacheta, +19.428s
6. Christopher Zanella, +20.281s
7. Jack Clarke, +20.416s
8. Kelvin Snoeks, +25.799s
9. Tobias Hegewald, +28.015s
10. Benjamin Lariche, +28.799s

Mihai Marinescu - Photo Credit: FIA Formula Two Championship

Mihai Marinescu converted his maiden FIA Formula Two pole position into a comfortable first ever victory in the first of the two races at Monza, while championship leader Mirko Bortolotti finished second to all but win the title.

Romanian driver Marinescu was actually beaten into the first chicane at the start by Alex Brundle who started alongside him on the front row. Marinescu regained the lead however one lap later and then pulled away, taking the checkered flag after 21 laps with a five second margin.

“I’m really happy and most of all I’m happier because it happened here in Monza,” said Marinescu. “I feel really at home here. I had a tricky get away from the start, Alex got past at the first chicane but on the next lap I made my move and overtook him and then I drove it safely home.

“I’ve done a lot of things differently since Austria starting with the preparation for the weekend itself and then a different approach to the whole weekend and it looks like it paid off.”

Bortolotti started from fourth on his home circuit but found his way past Ramon Pineiro, winner of the past three races, a few laps in. He then charged after Brundle and put pressure on him during the second half of the race. He finally found a way through on the run down to the second chicane on the very last lap.

Christopher Zanella kept his title hopes alive by passing Tobias Hegewald and finishing behind Pineiro in fifth. He is 68 points behind Bortolotti now, meaning he must win all three of the remaining races to stand a chance of overhauling the Italian.

Hegewald led home fellow German Thiemo Storz in sixth, with Jack Clarke, Mikkel Mac and Luciano Bacheta rounding out the top ten.

Race one results:

1. Mihai Marinescu, 21 Laps
2. Mirko Bortolotti, +5.411s
3. Alex Brundle, +6.114s
4. Ramon Pineiro, +7.676s
5. Christopher Zanella, +8.655s
6. Tobias Hegewald, +19.576s
7. Thiemo Storz, +22.622s
8. Jack Clarke, +24.320s
9. Mikkel Mac, +31.739s
10. Luciano Bacheta, +34.480s

Mihai Marinescu - Photo Credit: FIA Formula Two Championship

Mihai Marinescu scored his maiden FIA Formula Two pole position in qualifying at Monza. The Romanian, who had been second quickest in both free practice sessions on Friday, went 0.168 seconds quicker than second-placed Alex Brundle.

“I’m very happy about it and I’m very pleased that it’s happened right here at Monza which is a very special place for me,” said Marinescu. “I grew up here, everything as a race driver started for me here and it’s like a home. There were a lot of quick laps where I was fastest but also the new tyres made a big difference compared to yesterday’s free practice.”

Third was Ramon Pineiro, who has won three successive races. Championship leader Mirko Bortolotti had topped both practice sessions but could only manage fourth in qualifying, 0.005s ahead of nearest rival Christopher Zanella.

Tobias Hegewald was sixth ahead of Mikkel Mac and Thiemo Storz, with Jack Clarke and Benjamin Lariche rounding out the top ten.

Qualifying One, Results:

1. Mihai Marinescu, 1:40.071
2. Alex Brundle, +0.168s
3. Ramon Pineiro, +0.224s
4. Mirko Bortolotti, +0.270s
5. Christopher Zanella, +0.0.275s
6. Tobias Hegewald, +0.571s
7. Mikkel Mac, +0.624s
8. Thiemo Storz, +0.694s
9. Jack Clarke, +0.802s
10. Benjamin Lariche, +0.890s

Mirko Bortolotti - Photo Credit: FIA Formula Two Championship

FIA Formula Two Championship leader Mirko Bortolotti once again proved to be the class of the field in free practice at Monza on Friday, topping both sessions as his home round got underway.

In the first session the Italian, who can wrap up the title at this the penultimate round of the season, was the only man to drop below the 1m41 mark. He was 0.231s quicker than the next fastest man Mihai Marinescu. Bortolotti’s only challenger in the points Christopher Zanella was third, nearly fourth tenths behind.

Miki Monras was fourth, with Alex Brundle just ahead of Thiemo Storz in fifth and sixth respectively. Ramon Pineiro, who is on a three-race winning streak, could only manage seventh, nearly a second adrift of Bortolotti. Kelvin Snoeks, Jack Clarke and Benjamin Lariche completed the top ten.

It was more of the same in the afternoon, with Bortolotti again the only driver below 1m41, improving his benchmark by 0.083s. He was nearly joined by Marinescu, who continued to impress with second place. He missed the magic barrier by just 0.002s, and was 0.271s behind Bortolotti.

Brundle was just 0.016 behind the Romanian in third, with Monras fourth and Mikkel Mac fifth. Zanella was sixth, with Tobias Hegewald seventh and Pineiro again nearly a second adrift in eighth. Storz and Sunghak Mun completed the top ten.

Results: Monza – Free practice one:

1. Mirko Bortolotti, 1:40.814s
2. Mihai Marinescu, +0.231s
3. Christopher Zanella, +0.398s
4. Miki Monras, +0.573s
5. Alex Brundle, +0.736s
6. Thiemo Storz, +0.792s
7. Ramon Pineiro, +0.986s
8. Kelvin Snoeks, +1.245s
9. Jack Clarke, +1.405s
10. Benjamin Lariche, +1.469s

Free practice two:

1. Mirko Bortolotti, 1:40.731s
2. Mihai Marinescu, +0.271s
3. Alex Brundle, +0.287s
4. Miki Monras, +0.402s
5. Mikkel Mac, +0.601s
6. Christopher Zanella, +0.640s
7. Tobias Hegewald, +0.823s
8. Ramon Pineiro, +0.979s
9. Theimo Storz, +1.131s
10. Sunghak Mun, +1.158s

Pineiro started from second on the grid, but took the lead from polesitter Christopher Zanella when the Swiss driver ran wide at Turn 2 on the opening lap. Pineiro maintained a lead of around two seconds over championship leader Mirko Bortolotti for much of the race, though the Austro-Italian picked up his pace at the end. He had closed to within 1.2 seconds of Pineiro by the checkered flag, but the Spaniard remained comfortably ahead. Mihai Marinescu finished third again, meaning an exact repeat of the top three from the first race.

“I think this was the hardest race I’ve won,” said Pineiro afterwards, “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 keep consistent and stay on the limit which is the hardest thing to do, but I could manage it and take the win.

“I know these guys aren’t going to make it easy, but I won at Brands Hatch and I did it here and I see no reason why I can’t do it at Monza. I think third [in the championship] is the main target now, it’s a bit far away but if we keep the pace like this and with my home races at the last meeting it can be a boost.”

Bortolotti said: “It’s very good for us, a really good result starting from third and finishing second from being almost fourth in Turn 1. That was a really interesting race, as Ramon said, after five or six laps it was like every single lap was a qualifying lap. I think both of us were pushing at the maximum and that’s really cool. It was a great race and it seems that we had quite similar pace and for me there was no chance to close up and try to attack Ramon.

“I think the pace was ok and I’m happy with setting the fastest lap twice. Today we showed that we have potential because pole position was a really good lap which was actually taken away, but the lap was there so I’m very happy with the pace we had throughout the weekend. It’s very good to have two second positions for us and now we are looking forward to Monza.”

Marinescu added: “It was a good race. I didn’t risk it in the first three corners, I just kept calm and I knew something would happen up front. Then when everything settled I went on to catch Christopher, I took him, put the car in front of him and then left it there so I’m pretty happy about this result.

“I grew up as a racer in Monza so I am basically at home there. I think it’s going to be another good weekend but I have to keep on pushing and keeping the same rhythm and maybe it’s second or maybe first next time!”

Zanella finished fourth, ahead of Kelvin Snoeks, Tobias Hegewald and Max Snegirev. Benjamin Lariche was eighth, ahead of Mikkel Mac and series newcomer Luciano Bacheta who climbed five places after a disappointing qualifying result.

Jack Clarke and Alex Brundle both retired after separate incidents at Turn 1, while Miki Monras fell to 11^th after spinning early on.

Bortolotti has extended his championship lead over Zanella to 60 points, meaning he only needs to maintain his advantage to seal the title at his home round at Monza, the penultimate weekend of the season, on 1-2 October.

Race 2 results – 26 laps:

1. Ramon Pineiro, 36m07.472s
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

Championship standings after 6 of 8 rounds:

1. Mirko Bortolotti, 223 pts
2. Christopher Zanella, 163
3. Ramon Pineiro, 122
4. Miki Monras, 108
5. Tobias Hegewald, 99
6. Jack Clarke, 92

Bortolotti had been 0.355 seconds quicker than Zanella in qualifying, but was found guilty of impeding Miki Monras on one of his laps. He was handed a two-place grid penalty that dropped him to third and promoted Zanella to pole. Saturday’s race winner Ramon Pineiro will start second on the grid.

Mihai Marinescu was fourth, ahead of Tobias Hegewald and a career-best sixth for Max Snegirev. Monras ended up seventh, with Kelvin Snoeks, Benjamin Lariche and Alex Brundle completing the top ten.

Zanella had been as low as 19^th in the classification before hauling himself up to second place at the very end of the session.

The Swiss driver had failed to score in the first race, allowing Bortolotti to extend his points lead from 36 to 54 points by way of finishing second to Pineiro.

Qualifying times:

1. Mirko Bortolotti, 1:20.536s (+ 2-place penalty)
2. Christopher Zanella, +0.355s
3. Ramon Pineiro, +0.395s
4. Mihai Marinescu, +0.557s
5. Tobias Hegewald, +0.797s
6. Max Snegirev, +0.962s
7. Miki Monras, +1.016s
8. Kelvin Snoeks, +1.168s
9. Benjamin Lariche, +1.176s
10. Alex Brundle, +1.206s

The Spaniard kept hold of the lead from pole position at the start, and pulled away from championship leader Mirko Bortolotti over the course of the race. He took the checkered flag with a margin of 5.4 seconds over the Austro-Italian.

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

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

The race began with a dramatic incident as Jack Clarke and Johannes Theobald touched wheels under breaking for Turn 1, pitching the latter into a roll – his second such accident in three meetings after a similar take-off at the Nurburgring. Again he was able to walk away unscathed.

Christopher Zanella had started third but fell to fifth after running wide on the opening lap. This allowed Mihai Marinescu to score his maiden podium finish after keeping Alex Brundle at bay. Zanella meanwhile lost fifth to Clarke, who recovered from his Turn 1 incident, before receiving a drive-through penalty for exceeding track limits which dropped him to 12^th at the finish.

Clarke had benefited from an incident at the start of the second lap, where Mikkel Mac outbraked GP3 convert Luciano Bacheta into Turn 1 only to run too deep and take out Miki Monras. Bacheta made it home in seventh, behind Julian Theobald. Benjamin Lariche took eighth, with James Cole and Plamen Kralev completing the top ten.

With Zanella and Monras both failing to score, Bortolotti’s second place was enough to extend his points lead from 36 to 54 points.

Race 1 results – 26 laps:

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

Austro-Italian Bortolotti had been the man to beat in free practice yesterday, and looked set for pole position until Pineiro stole top spot with a late effort. The Spaniard’s pole position follows on from his maiden victory at Brands Hatch last time out.

“My good weekend at Brands Hatch has given me a big boost for the rest of the rounds and here is the proof,” he explained. “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.

“There were two laps to go and I was faster than my 22.1s lap. I had a massive queue of cars in Turn 7 though and I had to slow down and back off and do the same lap again which I could manage and I could take pole.”

Bortolotti was satisfied with a place on the front row.

“Obviously it’s very close but I’m very happy,” he said. “I think that the first row was very important on this track so I’m very happy to be on the front row even if it’s second position and not pole. I think it’s a good result for us. Obviously the points are given in the race and not for qualifying so I will be looking forward to the race and trying to do the best we can and then we will see.

“The session itself was quite chaotic I would say because of a lot of stuff going on with traffic and unfortunately I had to overtake three cars on my fastest lap and maybe that was not the best thing that could happen for me but anyway second position is good enough for us and I think we can be very happy and I’m looking forward to the race.”

Bortolotti’s nearest title rival, Christopher Zanella, qualified just behind him in third.

“It’s a really good feeling again to be in the top three in qualifying, you know that qualifying is not the best for me,” said the Swiss driver. “I had one lap which the split time was not bad but then I did a fault, but in the end I’m very happy and anything can happen now in the race.”

Mihai Marinescu was fourth, ahead of Miki Monras and debutant Luciano Bacheta, who will line up sixth for his first race after his switch from GP3. Mikkel Mac was seventh, ahead of Alex Brundle. The Briton had set a time good enough for fifth on the grid but had that erased for exceeding track limits.

The session was red-flagged after Tobias Hegewald came to a halt. The German will start from the back of the grid alongside Plamen Kralev who was black-flagged for exceeding track limits, something many drivers have been guilty of doing with the run-off areas around the revamped circuit.

Qualifying 1 results:

1. Ramon Pineiro, 1:21.946s
2. Mirko Bortolotti, +0.134s
3. Christopher Zanella, +0.212s
4. Mihai Marinescu, +0.572s
5. Miki Monras, +0.802s
6. Luciano Bacheta, +0.835s
7. Mikkel Mac, +0.878s
8. Alex Brundle, +0.881s
9. Benjamin Lariche, +0.977s
10. Julian Theobald, +1.004s

The championship leader, who was fastest in the morning session, set a time more than half a second quicker than anyone else.

On a scorching day in Austria, with temperatures reaching 35 degrees, Kelvin Snoeks was the early pacesetter. Bortolotti soon led the way, before Korean Sunghak Mun produced a stunning time that saw him top the times momentarily.

Bortolotti ended up on top, 0.534s clear of Mihai Marinescu. Benjamin Lariche was again quick, this time setting the third best time. Ramon Pineiro was fourth with Tobias Hegewald fifth and Mun a career-best sixth.

Alex Brundle, Christopher Zanella, Snoeks and Miki Monras completed the top ten, with debutants Luciano Bacheta and Rene Binder in 14^th and 20^th respectively. Several drivers saw their best times deleted for exceeding track limits.

Free practice two times:

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

The Austro-Italian driver set a quickest time of 1:23.312s during the middle of the session. Christopher Zanella, his nearest rival for the title, went second fastest towards the end, two tenths shy.

Jack Clarke, fresh from his maiden victory last time out at Brands Hatch, was third quickest, with Mihai Marinescu and Ramon Pineiro rounding out the top five.

Benjamin Lariche was a strong sixth, just ahead of Tobias Hegewald. GP3 convert Luciano Bacheta was eighth in his first session, with Alex Brundle and Julian Theobald rounding out the top ten.

South Korea’s Sunghak Mun was 11^th, while Miki Monras languished down in 15^th. Local driver Rene Binder, making a one-off appearance, was 18^th.

Free Practice 1 results:

1. Mirko Bortolotti, 1:23.312s
2. Christopher Zanella, +0.221s
3. Jack Clarke, +0.289s
4. Mihai Marinescu, +0.313s
5. Ramon Pineiro, +0.575s
6. Benjamin Lariche, +0.669s
7. Tobias Hegewald, +0.679s
8. Luciano Bacheta, +0.729s
9. Alex Brundle, +0.848s
10. Julian Theobald, +1.038s

The 21-year-old, who finished as runner-up in the Formula Renault Eurocup last year, has been racing in GP3 this year with Mucke Motorsport. He scored a best result of fifth at Silverstone in a rain-hit race, his only points finish to date.

Bacheta’s seat at the German team will be taken by Daniel Mancinelli for the remaining two rounds at Spa and Monza, after the Italian confirmed his move from Italian F3 a couple of weeks ago.

“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,” said Bacheta.

“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.”

Series boss Jonathan Palmer said: “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.”

Bacheta will not be the only driver making his F2 debut this weekend, with Austrian Rene Binder making a one-off appearance at home.

The 19-year-old has been racing in his second season of the German F3 Cup this year, currently lying eighth in the standings having scored one podium finish.

“I’m really excited about racing at the Red Bull Ring,” said Binder. “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.”

Series boss Jonathan Palmer said: “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 should hopefully help him be on the pace early on and even challenge for top ten results as the weekend progresses.”

Saturday’s race proved to be short-lived for King, when he was caught out by the pack concertinaing ahead of him at Graham Hill Bend on the opening lap. He took to the grass on the inside in avoidance, only to collect another car when he rejoined the track.

Race 2 on Saturday proved to be a much better experience.

“I had a terrible start and dropped down to 17th, but we had good speed and were able to come through the field,” he recalled. “I picked off quite a few drivers and we ended up finishing tenth. Given where I had been at the end of the opening lap, I was pretty happy with that – it was a good way to finish my last race in Formula Two.”

The point scored for finishing tenth also secured tenth place in the championship standings, a fine achievement for the 17-year-old having only entered six of the ten races so far this season.

“I was on a steep learning curve right from the start,” he said, reflecting on his short spell in the series. “Formula Two and Formula Renault are just completely different cars – practically everything about them is different to each other. The Formula Two car is bigger, heavier and more powerful than the Formula Renault, with totally different handling characteristics.

“That meant there was a lot to take on-board at the beginning, and the top ten drivers in Formula Two are all of a good calibre – they’ve all achieved something in the sport – so it certainly wasn’t easy going up against them. I didn’t find it that difficult to be fast in the car, though – and I actually surprised myself by how quickly I got up-to-speed, especially in the first two rounds at Spa-Francorchamps and the Nurburgring.

“Getting into third position at the start of the race at Spa was definitely a highlight, as was finishing fifth at the Nurburgring on outright pace – that had been our aim for the three meetings, so it was good to accomplish it.

“I really enjoyed racing around Spa and the Nurburgring – they’re both proper current F1 circuits – and I’ll be returning to Brands Hatch GP later in the year in Formula Renault UK, so it was a bit of a boost ahead of that and might even give us a couple more tenths than we would otherwise have had there.

King during a signing session for the fans at Brands Hatch. Photo Credit: Xynamic Motorsport Photography

“In hindsight, I think we could probably have achieved slightly more, but then you always think that afterwards – about how you could have done certain things differently – even when you win. Overall, it was a really good experience and I think I surprised quite a few people. It will definitely stand me in good stead for the future.”

King will return to concentrating on his Formula Renault UK campaign when the second half of the season gets underway at Snetterton, but first he has one final international appearance to make. He will contest a one-off round of the Formula Renault North European Cup this weekend at Oschersleben in Germany, where the series will support the World Touring Car Championship.

“I don’t know what the opposition will be like and I’ve never been to Oschersleben before, but it’s a good opportunity to learn another new circuit,” he said. “The goal really has to be to just enjoy the weekend and keep adding to my experience – and if we can be up at the sharp end again, all the better.”

A run of three podiums from his last four races including a maiden victory at Spa-Francorchamps had brought the Banbury racer and TCF blogger back into title contention after a difficult start to the year. That made missing the two races at Brands Hatch even more frustrating, particularly being on home soil.

Despite a massive effort from Will’s management literally up until qualifying began the budget needed for the weekend could not be found, forcing him onto the sidelines and all but ending his title hopes.

“We started the year with really only enough budget for the first two races at Silverstone, somehow though we managed to get half-way through the season,” said Will. “Not doing Brands was a serious blow as it’s both a circuit I like and a circuit I’ve won on three times in the past. I was very confident we’d have been really competitive this weekend.”

Will is hoping to secure the funding needed to race at the next round of the season at the Red Bull Ring in Austria on 27/28 August. Despite missing Brands Hatch he remains fourth in the standings.

“The F2 organisation has been brilliant but, at the end of the day, there’s only so much you can do if you can’t raise the funds. Although it’s not mathematically impossible the title bid is over, but I want to be back to fight for more race wins. We’re talking to several potential sponsors and I am confident of being in the car for Austria, although we’ve got nothing secured at this point in time.”

Commercial investors and prospective sponsors are invited to contact Henry Spratt at Enterprise Sports Management on 0207 5903667 or at henrys@enterprisesports.com