The FIA Formula Two Championship takes to the Brands Hatch circuit this weekend for round five of the season, with the category's four British drivers looking for glory.
A week after the nation's Formula 1 stars got to race in front of their home crowd at the British Grand Prix, the quartet of youngsters take their turn to show what they can do.
And leading the championship standings coming into the weekend is Brentwood's Luciano Bacheta. The 22-year-old won a record four straight races at the start of the season, and then took his fifth victory of the year last time out at Spa-Franchorchamps.
After winning the two races that kick-started the season at Silverstone, Bacheta is chasing another home win.
“It would be amazing to win at Brands Hatch,” Bacheta said. “I rarely get to race in front of my friends and family so it will give me an edge to have people watching.
“Some people would say there's more pressure on drivers on home soil but I think it's good pressure. I love the track but haven't raced here for a while, although my past three results [in Formula Palmer Audi] were second, third and first so I'm feeling confident.”
Poole-based Daniel McKenzie will be hoping to repeat past success at the Kent circuit as he aims for his first F2 victory after finishing second at Spa.
“Last time I raced at Brands Hatch was in Formula 3 where I managed to put the car on pole position and go on to win the race against the likes of Jean Eric Vergne,” said the 23-year-old, who lies seventh in the championship standings.
“I'm looking forward to taking the much-quicker F2 car around one of the best UK circuits and a track that has always been very close to my heart. I’m sure I will be challenging for that top step of the podium.”
Dino Zamparelli and Hector Hurst have both shown consistent pace since graduating from Formula Renault BARC, having both scored points in all but one of the eight races so far. But the pair, ninth and eleventh in the standings respectively, will look to use home advantage to make a step forward on to the podium this weekend.
“I’m looking forward to Brands Hatch,” said 19-year-old Zamparelli from Bristol. “Coming back to the UK to race after being abroad for the last few races will be good.”
Hurst turns 20 on Sunday.
“I've loved learning new tracks but Brands Hatch will be one of the few I will know beforehand, rather than learning it during practice,” said the man from Lymington in Hampshire.
“To get a podium on my birthday and at Brands Hatch would just be great.”
Joining F2 at the top of the bill at Brands Hatch is the International GT Open, which has former F1 drivers Andrea Montermini and Gianmaria Bruni amongst the driving strength. Adding to the GT action are the MSA British Endurance Championship and Aston Martin GT4 Challenge, while the European F3 Open and historic Formula Junior category join F2 as the single-seaters on show.
Tickets are £13 on Saturday and £21 on Sunday, while entry will be free for the practice day on Friday. Children aged 12 and under can get in free all weekend.
