Andy Soucek signs up for Formula Two

Andy Soucek

Andy Soucek has become the first Spanish driver to confirm his participation in the 2009 FIA Formula Two Championship.

Soucek joins F2 after two seasons competing in GP2 where he scored four podium finishes, including a third place at the Circuit de Valencia – where F2 will commence at the end of May. The Madrid-born racer graduated to GP2 after challenging for the World Series by Renault title in 2006 and he won the Spanish F3 championship in 2005. This success led to a test drive with the Panasonic Toyota F1 team.

Soucek has already competed against some of the confirmed F2 drivers during his career, most notably Russia's Mikhail Aleshin. The pair raced together in World Series by Renault and GP2 in 2006 and 2007 respectively.

Andy Soucek livery

Andy Soucek said: "I am very happy to be racing in F2. It is a category with a long history and tradition, where many famous drivers have progressed into Formula One. My target is still F1 and I am convinced through the FIA and Jonathan Palmer's MSV organization, F2 will provide a fantastic championship where the finest drivers can achieve their dream. Some of the F2 drivers have previously been my rivals in other series, but many others I do not know so well. I am sure there will be more than one surprise but I am convinced that I have the experience to fight for the F2 title. This is my goal, as the Superlicense and official Williams F1 test drive are both attractive awards."

Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of championship organizer MotorSport Vision, said: “Andy is another fabulous addition to the 2009 Formula Two line-up. As recently as last November he was demonstrating his pace by topping the times in a World Series by Renault test. He is an international race winner and has already tested F1 machinery, so Andy will clearly be a serious contender for the championship. Having already achieved a podium at Valencia in GP2, he will certainly be one to watch when the season gets underway at the same circuit in May."