Dean Stoneman is the latest British driver to have signed up for this year’s Formula Two championship.
The 19-year-old has graduated from Formula Renault UK where he had what is described by F2 organisers as “a superb breakthrough year in 2008.”
Stoneman took three wins, nine podiums and three pole positions in his first year in the series and his performances earned him a nomination for that year’s McLaren Autosport BRDC Award.
He remained in Formula Renault for the 2009 season with Hampshire-based Alpine Motorsport, finishing fourth overall with one victory, eight podiums and one pole despite some misfortune and reliability issues.
He said: “I showed what I am capable of in my first season in Formula Renault, and although I had some bad luck last year I still scored well.
“I think Andy Soucek showed that if you win F2 you get noticed by some key figures in the sport, and for me Formula Two is the best and quickest way to reach the highest tier of motorsport.
“The Formula One test drive and the award of an FIA Superlicence for the top three are also big attractions, so this year I will be going out all out to try and win the F2 title.”
F2 Series Director Jonathan Palmer added: “Formula Two is the perfect step for Dean and I’m thrilled he is joining the grid.
“His strong performances in two years of Formula Renault UK have marked him out as one of the few British drivers with a realistic chance of making it to F1, particularly as he has been racing without the benefit of a leading big-name team.
“With greater reliability, he would have scored even better results. Now with identical equipment to his rivals, Dean will surely be a championship challenger in his first year of F2 and his tough, determined character will mean he certainly won’t be overawed by more the experienced drivers.”