In the past few days, Formula 2 has confirmed its 2012 season calendar.
Now approaching its fourth season its return, the revamped category is to visit five current Formula 1 venues, alongside three other highly rated circuit.
A trip to Silverstone opens the calendar in the middle of April, before the series ventures to the Algarve’s fabulous Portimao arena for the first time since 2010.
May and June will feature the Nurburgring and Spa-Francorchamps respectively, while July sees an Anglo-French double-header with events at Brands Hatch and Paul Ricard in Southern France.
Included in the schedule will be Formula 2’s first adventure to the Hungaroring come September – a circuit that had not come into existence when the original F2 category ceased operation in the mid-80’s. The season closes on the final weekend in September, with a visit to historic Monza.
Neither Austria’s Red Bull Ring nor the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona have not been renewed for the upcoming season. Paul Ricard replaces Magny Cours.
Series Director and former-Grand Prix driver Jonathan Palmer added his endorsement to the calendar.
“After three very successful seasons of the FIA Formula Two Championship, our 2012 calendar is based around Grand Prix circuits, which our F1 focused drivers favour.
F2 will continue to provide drivers with substantial track time and learning opportunity at each of these exceptional venues. No other championship offers such an enticing combination of outstanding value, vehicle performance and the chance to race on so many F1 circuits.”
As with this year, every round will consist of two races, with each race paying out a standard FIA points system. The races will continue to be shown on MotorsTV in Europe, with live streaming accessible from the Formula 2 website.
Meanwhile, tomorrow sees the commencement of Formula 2’s post-season test in Barcelona. Filling out the order will be 2011 F2 Series runner-up Christopher Zanella alongside numerous category race winners.
Several champions and notables will also be appearing. European F3 Open champion Alex Fontana, Formula Ford GB champion Scott Malvern and British F3 Cup holder Aaron Steele will make their débuts.
This year’s Formula 2 champion, Mirko Bortolotti will also be in action to evaluate future developments for the next year’s car.
FIA 2012 Formula 2 calendar 15/04 Silverstone 29/04 Algarve 27/05 Nurburgring 24/06 Spa-Francorchamps 15/07 Brands Hatch 22/07 Paul Ricard 09/09 Hungaroring* 30/09 Monza *Subject to the ASN's confirmation
