Malvern and Slaghekke to join F2 test in Barcelona
Two-time McLaren Autosport BRDC Award Finalist Malvern claimed this year's prestigious Formula Ford title by winning a record 18 of the 24 rounds – 13 of them consecutively. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Dutchman Slaghekke secured second spot with three wins and a further 12 podiums.
Both will join a host of international drivers for the test at the Circuit de Catalunya on 13/14 December with Malvern in particular keen to step up full-time to the series in 2012.
"I'm looking to make the jump up to a higher category and F2 offers that at great value for money, together with racing on Grand Prix circuits and ensuring everyone has the same chance," said Malvern who was also recently presented with the Henry Surtees Award for an outstanding performance by a BRDC Rising Star. "If I were to race it would be a two-year campaign as F2 is very competitive.
"This test is certainly a great prize to be awarded, especially with F2 fast becoming a recognized route on the motorsport ladder and I'm hoping to use it as a springboard to F2 next year."
The 22-year-old also recently sampled the 500bhp JPH1B car during the driver assessment process for the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award with the Brit being instantly impressed: "It's a very good car that has been well designed and thought out. I'm looking forward to the test and to get some good mileage as although I've sampled it before that was very stop/start."
Speaking ahead of his test Slaghekke said: "I'm definitely looking forward to the test. The F2 car is a lot more powerful with a big speed difference to the Formula Ford so it will be a new experience for me and on a new track. We'll have to see how it goes but F2 could be a possible option for a future season."
Formula Ford Championship Coordinator Penny Mattocks added: "Scott Malvern and Jeroen Slaghekke will get to enjoy a very special test and one we're confident will enrich their future choices in motorsport, and help give recognition to their promising racing careers."
This year Malvern also completed a dominant victory in the legendary Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch with his name being added to a prestigious list of previous Festival winners, including Formula One stars Johnny Herbert, Mark Webber and 2009 World Champion Jenson Button. He also won the Formula Ford EuroCup titles at each of the four meetings at Brands Hatch, Spa, Zolder and Zandvoort.