21-year-old David Zhu becomes series’ first Chinese driver

David Zhu has confirmed his participation in the 2012 FIA Formula Two Championship, becoming the first Chinese driver to race in any era of F2.

21-year-old Zhu began his single seater career by competing in the Formula BMW Asia series in 2007, finishing 10th with two podiums in his maiden season.  In 2008 he moved up to the Formula Asia 2.0 Championship where he again impressed by taking three podiums on his way to sixth overall.

During the next two years he raced in the Formula Challenge Japan series, finishing 13th and eighth respectively before stepping up to the Formula Pilota China series, which uses Formula Abarth cars, last year.  He finished eighth overall with one podium, despite only contesting four rounds.

Zhu, who will act as an ambassador for F2 in his home country, said: “I really enjoyed testing the Williams F2 car. The adjustable front wings, roll bar and overboost all make it great to drive. Now I need to get used to driving the 500bhp car in the race! 2012 will be my first year in European racing and I will also be the first Chinese driver in F2. I will try and push very hard for podium finishes and adjust to the new tracks. My overall target is top three for the year, although it will be tough.”

Formula Two Series Director Jonathan Palmer said: "I’m delighted to welcome David into this year’s championship and I’m really pleased he’s selected F2 for his first international campaign after five years competing in Asia. His participation means the modern era of Formula Two has now featured drivers from 24 different countries across four continents – a remarkable statistic considering we’re entering just our fourth season.”

21-year-old becomes series’ first Chinese driver

David Zhu has confirmed his participation in the 2012 FIA Formula Two Championship, becoming the first Chinese driver to race in any era of F2.

21-year-old Zhu began his single seater career by competing in the Formula BMW Asia series in 2007, finishing 10th with two podiums in his maiden season.  In 2008 he moved up to the Formula Asia 2.0 Championship where he again impressed by taking three podiums on his way to sixth overall.

During the next two years he raced in the Formula Challenge Japan series, finishing 13th and eighth respectively before stepping up to the Formula Pilota China series, which uses Formula Abarth cars, last year.  He finished eighth overall with one podium, despite only contesting four rounds.

Zhu, who will act as an ambassador for F2 in his home country, said: “I really enjoyed testing the Williams F2 car. The adjustable front wings, roll bar and overboost all make it great to drive. Now I need to get used to driving the 500bhp car in the race! 2012 will be my first year in European racing and I will also be the first Chinese driver in F2. I will try and push very hard for podium finishes and adjust to the new tracks. My overall target is top three for the year, although it will be tough.”

Formula Two Series Director Jonathan Palmer said: "I’m delighted to welcome David into this year’s championship and I’m really pleased he’s selected F2 for his first international campaign after five years competing in Asia. His participation means the modern era of Formula Two has now featured drivers from 24 different countries across four continents – a remarkable statistic considering we’re entering just our fourth season.”