The FIA Formula Two Championship has added GP2 Series tests for the second and third place finishers in the standings to its prize package, alongside the existing prize of a WilliamsF1 test for the winner.
The two champions so far, Andy Soucek and Dean Stoneman, have already enjoyed successful tests with the Williams, who designed the JPH1B car used in the series. Williams chairman Adam Parr is pleased to have continued its relationship with the championship.
“Williams F1 is proud of its continued association with the increasingly successful FIA Formula Two Championship,” he said. “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.”
After 2010 runner-up Jolyon Palmer tested for leading GP2 teams at the recent post-season tests at Abu Dhabi, the championship has announced that the second and third place finishers will receive GP2 tests, in addition to becoming eligible for an FIA Super Licence.
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.”
