Luciano aims for F2 glory (From Brentwood Weekly News)

Luciano aims for F2 glory

12:42pm Thursday 12th July 2012 in Local Sport

MOTOR SPORT: Four Lions will be fighting for victory at Brands Hatch this weekend as the FIA Formula Two Championship races on the legendary Grand Prix circuit.

Britons Luciano Bacheta, Daniel McKenzie, Dino Zamparelli and Hector Hurst will go head to head in the prestigious championship, which is expected to provide the fastest race of the year at the Kent track.

Leading the way is Brentwood-based Luciano Bacheta and the 22-year-old has already won five of the eight races held so far, including a clean sweep of the first four races.

Bacheta holds a 40.5 point advantage in the drivers’ standings and is a firm favourite to add a further two wins to his impressive tally.

“It would be amazing to win at Brands Hatch,” says Bacheta. “I rarely get to race in front of my friends and family so it will give me an edge to have people watching.

“Some people would say there’s more pressure on drivers on home soil but I think it’s good pressure.

“I love the track but haven’t raced here for a while, although my past three results [in Formula Palmer Audi] were second, third and first so I’m feeling confident!”

Daniel McKenzie will also be fighting for the top step of the podium this weekend.

The 23-year-old, from Poole, lies seventh in the championship standings, having finished on the podium last time out at Spa-Francorchamps.

“Last time I raced at Brands Hatch was in Formula 3 where I managed to put the car on pole position and go on to win the race against the likes of (Formula 1 racer) Jean Eric Vergne,” says McKenzie.

“I’m looking forward to taking the much-quicker F2 car around one of the best UK circuits and a track that has always been very close to my heart.

“I’m sure I will be challenging for that top step of the podium!”

Zamparelli and Hurst have both scored points in all but one race this year.

“I’m looking forward to Brands Hatch,” said Zamparelli, from Bristol. “Coming back to the UK to race after being abroad for the last few races will be good.”

Lymington-based Hurst, who turns 20 on Sunday, says: “I’ve loved learning new tracks but Brands Hatch will be one of the few I will know beforehand, rather than learning it during practice.

“To get a podium on my birthday and at Brands Hatch would just be great!”

The championship enters its second half at Brands Hatch, with the cars lapping faster than ever thanks to new Yokohama tyres and uprated brakes.

The cars’ turbo engines feature an overboost system that has been combined with F1-style overtaking zones, providing thrilling races this year.

Supporting F2 will be the International GT Open Series for powerful supercars, with Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin, Lotus and Corvette all represented on the grid. Former F1 drivers Andrea Montermini and Gianmaria Bruni star amongst the field, which will race on both Saturday and Sunday this weekend, as will F2.

The sportscar theme continues with the MSA British Endurance Championship and Aston Martin GT4 challenge races, whilst the European F3 Open and historic Formula Junior events provide further single seater variety. Fans able to take the day off work on Friday for the practice day can enter the circuit free of charge.

Tickets for the FIA Formula Two Championship and International GT Open at Brands Hatch are available for £13 on Saturday and £21 on Sunday, with free entry for children aged 12 and under.

For more information, call 0843 453 9000 or visit www.brandshatch.co.uk