Bulgarian racer Plamen Kralev has confirmed that he will remain in the FIA Formula Two Championship for 2011, saying he hopes to continue improving as a driver and score better results during his sophomore year in the category.
The 38-year-old, whose background is in the construction business, began his racing career in GT racing, specifically the Ferrari Challenge, in 2007. The following year he became the official motorsport ambassador for the Bulgarian Tourism Authority and in 2009 became the first driver from his country to race at Le Mans. At the end of that year he made his debut in single-seaters by racing in GP2 Asia.
For 2010 he moved to Formula Two, where his season highlight was scoring his maiden point by finishing tenth at the first race at Monza, having come through from 17th on the grid. He also enjoyed a strong weekend in Marrakech, where he finished 12th in both races and made up a total of 18 points across the two races.
Kralev says he is hoping that his increased experience in the car will allow him to be more competitive this season.
“I'm excited about my prospects this year and about the possibility of becoming more competitive,” he said. “I wanted to remain in F2 because I think this championship offers me the best possible option to develop my skills, especially as I now know a lot more about single seater racing.
“For 2011, my main goals are to continue improving as a driver and to get better results than last season. I think F2 is a great opportunity for drivers to race at a very high and prestigious level at an affordable cost, and I'm already preparing for the season ahead. 2010 was my first year racing open wheelers and I hope 2011 is the year I show that I can be fast with these cars.”
Formula Two Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer commented: “I am pleased to welcome Plamen Kralev back into Formula Two – our tenth driver to be announced from nine different nations so far. Plamen's determination and positive outlook were evident throughout 2010, and his participation will continue to boost the popularity of motorsport in his native Bulgaria.
“F2 provides Plamen with the perfect environment in which to continue improving as a driver through its unique data sharing concept and total equality of equipment, and I look forward to monitoring his progress as the season develops.”
