Barcelona test for Formula Ford Champion and runner-up Malvern hopes it will prove a ‘springboard’ to full-time F2 drive
Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Champion of Great Britain Scott Malvern and runner-up Jeroen Slaghekke will make their Formula Two debuts next week after being awarded a prize test to take part in a two-day session in Barcelona.
Two-time McLaren Autosport BRDC Award finalist Malvern claimed this year’s prestigious Dunlop MSA Formula Ford title by winning a record 18 of the 24 rounds - 13 of them consecutively. Nineteen-year-old Dutchman Slaghekke secured championship second with three wins and a further 12 podiums.
Both will join a host of international drivers for the test at the Circuit de Catalunya on 13/14 December. Malvern in particular is keen to step up full time to the series in 2012: “I’m looking to make the jump up to a higher category and F2 offers that at great value for money, together with racing on Grand Prix circuits and ensuring everyone has the same chance.
“If I were to race it would be a two-year campaign as F2 is very competitive. This test is certainly a great prize to be awarded, especially with F2 fast becoming a recognised route on the motorsport ladder, and I’m hoping to use it as a springboard to F2 next year.”
The 22-year-old recently sampled the 500bhp JPH1B car during the driver assessment process for the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award, and was impressed: “It’s a very good car that has been well designed and thought out. I’m looking forward to the test and to get some good mileage, as although I’ve sampled it before that was very stop/start.”
Slaghekke said: “I’m definitely looking forward to the test. The F2 car is a lot more powerful with a big speed difference to the Formula Ford so it will be a new experience for me and on a new track. We’ll have to see how it goes but F2 could be a possible option for a future season.”
Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship co-ordinator Penny Mattocks added: “Scott Malvern and Jeroen Slaghekke will get to enjoy a very special test and one we’re confident will enrich their future choices in motorsport, and help give recognition to their promising racing careers.”
This year Malvern also completed a dominant victory in the legendary Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch, with his name added to a prestigious list of previous Festival winners, including Formula 1 stars Johnny Herbert, Mark Webber and 2009 World Champion Jenson Button. He also won the Formula Ford EuroCup titles at each of the four meetings at Brands Hatch, Spa, Zolder and Zandvoort.
