After taking a year out to compete in British Formula 3, Alex Brundle has signed up to re-join the FIA Formula Two Championship grid in 2011. The 20 year old follows fellow British star Jack Clarke in signing up for the new season, and heads into the new campaign high on confidence after an impressive start to winter testing.
The British racer contested the inaugural F2 season in 2009 and picked up a best result of fifth at Spa-Francorchamps. Brundle, son of BBC F1 commentator Martin, nearly gained his first F2 podium at Imola, though lost out after spinning on a patch of oil. After year with T-Sport in British F3, Brundle returned to an F2 cockpit for winter testing, where he set the pace during the first day at Barcelona and has rarely been out the top six of the timesheets.
The equal environment in Formula 2 was one of the main reason's Brundle decided to return to Formula 2, as he explains:
“I'm very excited to be back. 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.”
Formula Two Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer is happy with his return: “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.”
