Will be interesting to see if the Williams test drive raises any opportunties for Dean..
Stoneman's first reflections on championship glory
Dean: "I hope the F1 test will give me a chance to prove myself"
There were emotional scenes in the Valencia paddock, as Dean Stoneman clinched the 2010 FIA Formula Two Championship following a solid ninth place finish in this weekend's opening race.
Stoneman held a 31 point advantage over Jolyon Palmer going into race one, however the Southampton racer started four places behind his title rival in eleventh place.
Palmer had to finish at least six points ahead of Stoneman to take the trophy chase down to the final race of the season; however the pair took the chequered flag in seventh and ninth respectively, after Dean made up two places on the opening lap.
The result gave Stoneman an unassailable 27 point lead over Palmer, officially crowning him this year's F2 title winner.
"It's fantastic to be in this position," said Stoneman following his championship victory. "It was a bit of a heart wrench throughout the race as Jolyon was only two places in front of me and I knew he had to finish four places in front, so I just kept it nice and distant to stay out of trouble.
"Throughout the season the pressure hasn't really bothered me at all," Stoneman reflected after the race. "However, sometimes you have to let your emotions out and today's the day."
Stoneman also praised his main rival for the competition this season, as well as paying tribute to his biggest supporters.
"I've got to say well done to Jolyon, as throughout the season we've had some fantastic races, and thank you to Jonathan Palmer for putting together such a brilliant championship for myself and the other competitors.
"I'd also like to thank my sponsors - Silver Lining, MDT Design and I Retail - and my father, who has backed me all the way.
As prize for taking the F2 crown, Stoneman will receive a test drive with the Williams Formula One team. "I just hope now that the F1 test will give me a chance to prove myself and allow me to go even further in motorsport," he concluded.
