Next generation signs up for F2

Henry Surtees is one of four sons of former Grand Prix drivers to have signed up to compete in the new FIA Formula 2 Championship.

Surtees, son of 1964 Formula 1 World Champion John, graduates to the low-cost series after racing in Formula Renault and, briefly, F3 in 2008. He joins series boss Jonathan Palmer’s son Jolyon, Alex Brundle, son of Martin, and Jack Clarke, Julian Bailey’s stepson.

Surtees, who said it was “the right time to make this step”, will race with a livery that mimics the Matchbox-sponsored Surtees TS10 in which Mike Hailwood won the 1972 European F2 title.

The biggest name F2 signings so far are World Series by Renault runner-up Julien Jousse, Red Bull-backed Robert Wickens and Mikhail Aleshin, and British F3 race winner Sebastian Hohenthal. Just six of the 24 places on the grid remained as Motor Sport went to press.