McKenzie switches from World Series to Formula 2
- Published on 15 Mar 2012 15:58
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- By: Rob Veenstra
Leading British driver Daniel McKenzie has become the latest driver to confirm his place on the grid for the 2012 FIA Formula Two Championship.
The 23-year-old, who competed with the Comtec team in Formula Renault 3.5 in 2011, first sampled the Williams JPH1B F2 car in Barcelona last December, where he acclimatised himself very quickly, becoming a regular top ten finisher. He was particularly impressive on day two, where he ran seventh quickest overall ahead of many more experienced drivers.
McKenzie began his single seater career in Formula BMW UK and Formula Renault 2.0, rapidly building a reputation as one of his country's top young prospects. In 2009 he stepped up to British F3, winning the National Class championship at his first attempt with 11 wins and 19 podiums. The following year he contested the International Class in British F3 and was a regular frontrunner, collecting two wins and four podiums on his way to ninth overall.
"I'm really looking forward to this season," said McKenzie. "I'm certainly not in it to make up the numbers, I want to win and the Williams F1 test is a massive incentive! I enjoyed driving the car during the Barcelona test and once I'd got used to the turbo I found it really pleasurable to drive."
He added: "The equality of F2 really appeals to me as well, as everyone has the same chance of winning as there's a completely level playing field. It's also a very prestigious series that offers great value for money and I'm looking forward to being a part of it."
Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, said: "I'm delighted Daniel is joining the F2 grid this season. His strong performances throughout his career, in particular in F3, have marked him out as one of our leading home grown talents. The equal environment of F2 means he has every chance of being on the pace of the returning drivers from the very start and I expect it won't be long before he's achieving podium finishes in 2012."
The 23-year-old, who competed with the Comtec team in Formula Renault 3.5 in 2011, first sampled the Williams JPH1B F2 car in Barcelona last December, where he acclimatised himself very quickly, becoming a regular top ten finisher. He was particularly impressive on day two, where he ran seventh quickest overall ahead of many more experienced drivers.
McKenzie began his single seater career in Formula BMW UK and Formula Renault 2.0, rapidly building a reputation as one of his country's top young prospects. In 2009 he stepped up to British F3, winning the National Class championship at his first attempt with 11 wins and 19 podiums. The following year he contested the International Class in British F3 and was a regular frontrunner, collecting two wins and four podiums on his way to ninth overall.
"I'm really looking forward to this season," said McKenzie. "I'm certainly not in it to make up the numbers, I want to win and the Williams F1 test is a massive incentive! I enjoyed driving the car during the Barcelona test and once I'd got used to the turbo I found it really pleasurable to drive."
He added: "The equality of F2 really appeals to me as well, as everyone has the same chance of winning as there's a completely level playing field. It's also a very prestigious series that offers great value for money and I'm looking forward to being a part of it."
Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, said: "I'm delighted Daniel is joining the F2 grid this season. His strong performances throughout his career, in particular in F3, have marked him out as one of our leading home grown talents. The equal environment of F2 means he has every chance of being on the pace of the returning drivers from the very start and I expect it won't be long before he's achieving podium finishes in 2012."
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