14/07/2011 – The FIA Formula Two Championship heads to Brands Hatch on 22-24 July for rounds 9 and 10 of a thrilling season, with several drivers aiming to alter the destiny of the 2011 title. The drivers race identical turbo-charged JPH1B cars, designed by Williams F1, and the champion will receive a full test with the legendary outfit.
After a superb fortnight at neighbouring circuits Spa-Francorchamps and the N�rburgring, Mirko Bortolotti’s run of three wins out of four races places him at the top of the championship table with 159 points. The Austro-Italian was stripped of his pole position in first qualifying at the Belgian circuit, but bounced back to take second place and a win, following it up with a perfect score in Germany. With four wins in total this season Mirko, who has already tested for Ferrari and Red Bull junior team Toro Rosso, is favourite for overall honours.
However Switzerland’s Christopher Zanella signalled notice of his intent this year with a double win at Magny-Cours in May. He hasn’t been off the podium since and is just 22 points adrift of Bortolotti.
Third in the championship is Spain’s Miki Monras, who won round two at Silverstone but has endured a few troubled races. His position is under threat from the highest placed Briton in the table, Will Bratt. The Oxfordshire-based driver picked up his maiden win in the series at Spa, a true driver’s circuit, and must be relishing the similar challenge of the Brands Hatch Grand Prix track.
A couple of places behind Bratt in the standings is compatriot Alex Brundle, the son of F1 commentator Martin. With great performances in pre-season testing and a pole position in Magny-Cours, Norfolk’s Brundle has proven that he has the speed to win races and will be determined to stand on the top step of the podium at Brands Hatch.
Surrey’s Jack Clarke has had a tough start to the season but his first podium of the year at the N�rburgring will have provided a welcome boost as he heads to his home circuit. Jack recorded a second place finish here last year and will be aiming to go one better this time.
Also looking to impress in the UK will be 17-year-old Jordan King. He only joined the championship at Spa but has already impressed with fast performances, culminating in a fifth place at Germany. Comma Oil-backed James Cole will also be looking for his first points finish, the British F3 graduate steadily improving and on familiar ground this time.
The FIA Formula Two Championship will be the fastest race of the year at Brands Hatch. Joining the action are exotic supercars from the International GT Open Series. There will also be support races from European F3 Open, Lotus Cup Europe and UK, Elise Trophy and Nippon Challenge.
Tickets for the F2 & GT Open at Brands Hatch on 22 – 24 July are available in advance from �17, with free admission for children aged 12 and under. For more information call 0843 453 9000 or click the link below.
�Click here for further information
Andre Malherbe Paul Malin Jacky Martens Christophe Martin Mickael Maschio
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