Luciano Bacheta returns for F2 title assault

Bacheta (L)

Top British talent Luciano Bacheta has his sights set on championship glory after confirming his return to the FIA Formula Two Championship in 2012.

The 21-year-old enjoyed an impressive part-season last year, scoring top 10 points finishes in each of the four races he contested, including a best of fifth in Monza. He will now embark on a maiden full F2 campaign commencing at Silverstone in April, and will compete for the overall championship prize of a test with the Williams F1 team and eligibility for an FIA Super License – needed to compete in Grands Prix.

Bacheta brings with him a wealth of experience and race wins, beginning at the age of 13 in karting. After graduating from karts, he moved to the Ginetta Junior Championship, enjoying instant success before competing in the T-Cars Championship in 2006 with the PalmerSport Junior Team where he took the title in convincing style with six wins, three pole positions and 11 podiums.

Since then, the Briton has competed in Formula Palmer Audi, securing four race wins and nine podiums on his way to third overall, as well as Formula Renault 2.0. In 2010 he enjoyed an outstanding season in the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup series, finishing as runner-up with six podiums and one win. This earned him a place as one of the six finalists that year for the prestigious McLaren Autosport BRDC Award.

In addition to F2, 2011 saw Bacheta also sample GP3 with the RSC Mücke Motorsport team, securing his maiden points finish in front of his home crowd at Silverstone after a superb drive from 24th on the grid to fifth.

Commenting on the announcement Bacheta said: “I’m really excited to be driving in Formula Two this season and to have it all confirmed so early in the year so I can get my head down and focus on the task ahead. Last year I contested four races and enjoyed every one and was impressed with the set up of F2, so it’s great to be running a full campaign in 2012. My aim is to be at the front and of course I would love to get my hands on the Williams F1 prize test, although I know the competition is going to be tough, especially from returning drivers. It’s also exciting to have an upgraded, quicker F2 car for this season and I’m looking forward to driving it."

Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, commented: “We’re delighted to welcome back Luciano to Formula Two. I’ve known him well since his early days of T-Cars back in 2006 and have followed his career ever since, and he’s clearly an exciting prospect. He was instantly a front-runner when he joined the championship at the end of last year and took little time to adapt to the Williams designed F2 car. Luciano will be a major contender for the championship this year."