Carlos Iaconelli is the latest addition to F2

Carlos Iaconelli

Brazilian driver Carlos Iaconelli has become the first South American racer to sign up to the 2009 FIA Formula Two Championship.

Iaconelli joins F2 following 13 races in the 2008 GP2 Series and a further two outings in the 2008/2009 GP2 Asia Series. He also participated in selected rounds of last year’s International Formula Master Championship and scored a podium position in Italian Formula Master.

Prior to GP2 the 21 year-old driver competed in the 2007 Formula Renault 3.5 Championship, racing against fellow F2 drivers Rob Wickens, Julien Jousse and Mikhail Aleshin. His strong single seater racing background also includes experience in Spanish Formula 3, Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup, Formula Renault 2.0 Italy, and the Brazilian Formula Renault and Formula 3 championships.

Carlos Iaconelli livery

Carlos Iaconelli said: "I am really delighted to be racing in F2 in 2009; it will be a fantastic challenge. The championship will visit beautiful circuits, with competitive drivers and a powerful car – it seems to be a great combination. The prize of an F1 test drive with Williams for the F2 champion represents something all young drivers have dreamt of since a young age and I will work very hard to make my dream come true. I would like to take this moment to thank Mr. Palmer and all of the Formula Two team for this fantastic opportunity."

Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of championship organizer MotorSport Vision, said: "I’m delighted to add an exciting South American driver to the F2 line-up. Talented Brazilian drivers have always been a feature in my own career, particularly Nelson Piquet and Raul Boesel, and I'm sure Carlos will use all his experience to challenge for the championship in 2009. With just a few spaces remaining and an extraordinary level of interest from drivers all over the world, it will be fascinating to see who completes the grid for the first season of the FIA Formula Two Championship!"