Alex Brundle rejoins F2 for 2011

Alex Brundle

Alex Brundle will rejoin the FIA Formula Two Championship in 2011, after taking a break from the series in 2010 to compete in British Formula 3.

The 20-year-old Briton contested F2’s maiden season in 2009 and impressed on several occasions, notably finishing fifth in the second race at Spa-Francorchamps, having run as high as third after qualifying on the second row.

Brundle, son of ex-F1 racer and BBC F1 commentator Martin, also scored points in the opening race of the year at Valencia, while he was unlucky to miss out on a maiden F2 podium at Imola after falling victim to a patch of oil leaked from the back of Mirko Bortolotti’s car.

Alex switched to British F3 to compete with the T-Sport squad for 2010, but returned to the F2 fold for winter testing at the end of 2010, where he was rarely out of the top six and set the ultimate pace after the first day of testing at Barcelona.

Brundle explained that the equal environment of Formula Two was one of the main reasons he had decided to return.

“I’m very excited to be back," he said. “I really enjoyed winter testing, and to be honest the performances I was able to give helped swing the decision to rejoin Formula Two.

“It’s difficult to say what the difference is in terms of how I get on in an F3 and an F2 car; perhaps the F2 car simply suits me better. Whatever the reason though, my aspiration is to be able to race as a career and I need to demonstrate my ability and credentials in order to do that.

“Formula Two gives me that opportunity – I know from experience that every car is completely equal so you have the same chance as everyone else. That’s the beauty of it. I was very competitive in the winter tests, and I’ve grown up in turbo single seaters, so I’m very confident and excited about the season.

“I also feel I’ve improved as a driver over the last year, so it will be interesting to see how I get on. I’m not one to make claims before pre-season testing has even begun, but I’m looking forward to applying what I have learned, working hard and I think I have a chance to do well."

Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Chief Executive, said: “I’m delighted Alex is returning to Formula Two for our third season. He was really quick in our very competitive winter testing and I certainly expect Alex to be fighting for the title. I have known Martin for many years, and Alex certainly possesses the same drive and determination to succeed! He clearly enjoyed a frustrating year in British Formula 3 where he wasn’t in the best car, but I am sure that his talent will once again flourish in the equal environment of F2, particularly now that he has more experience."