Benjamin Bailly signs up for Valencia test

Benjamin Bailly

Promising Belgian racer Benjamin Bailly has joined the list of drivers who will contest the two day F2 winter test in Valencia on 3/4 December.

The 19-year-old has been signed up by the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium (RACB) National Team, who have also pledged their support to current Formula Renault 3.5 champion Bertrand Baguette, who will be testing for the Renault F1 Team in Jerez next month.

Bailly, winner of the Formul'Academy Euro Series in 2009, is looking to move to F2 in 2010 and thanks to the RACB, the talented teenager will climb into the cockpit of an F2 car for the first time during the Spanish test.

"The RACB is delighted to be extending its support for Benjamin," said Secretary General of Sport Geoffroy Theunis. "His results in Formul'Academy Euro Series this season have shown that the winner of the 'Volant RACB National Team 2008' prize has the qualities to become a real hopeful of Belgian motorsport. Our approach involves finding him a championship in which he can continue to progress in 2010. This is why Marc Duez, Benjamin and I recently visited the FIA Formula Two Championship's headquarters at Bedford Autodrome in England."

Bailly was impressed during his visit to Bedford Autodrome and he is now eagerly awaiting his maiden run in a Williams JPH1 Formula Two car: "It was a very rewarding visit," enthused Bailly. "I had the opportunity to meet Jonathan Palmer, and look around the facilities that the cars are prepared in – it is very impressive!

"I know the Valencia circuit well and I've got great memories of it. I took my first win there at the opening round of the Formul'Academy Euro Series season – it was my maiden single seater victory. I'm delighted to be testing an F2 car although it will be a huge leap forward in terms of experience for me. This test will also allow me to learn the aerodynamic adjustments of a top level single seater car. The FIA Formula Two Championship is very attractive because everyone has the same car and opportunity."

From now until the test, Benjamin is doubling his efforts with regards to his preparation.

"I've got a tailored training program thanks to Christophe Disthexe, the physical instructor for the RACB National Team," concluded Benjamin. "I'm increasing the number of hours of exercise I do. I'm very aware of the fantastic opportunity that the RACB has given to me and I want to increase my chances as much as I can, so that I can test the F2 car in the best possible conditions."