Vasiliauskas targets F2 title on return
Kazim Vasiliauskas is targeting the title on his return for a second season of Formula 2 this year
The 19-year-old Lithuanian was one of the stand-out rookies of the 2009 F2 season, finishing seventh in his first full year of single-seaters and taking his maiden victory at Imola in September.
Vasiliauskas has tested in GP2 and GP3 since the end of last season, as well as topping the F2 winter test at Portimao in Portugal, and admits that the championship is his only aim in 2010.
"This year I'm expecting to win the championship," he said. "Last year, my form was very good and I finished the second half of the year very strongly. Now I have more experience and I know the F2 operation and most of the circuits on the calendar. I believe in myself completely, so winning is the only target.
"Through testing I was able to compare GP2, GP3 and Formula 2, and for me F2 represents the best package: the car has been improved, everyone has the same machinery and the prize is very good. Of course it also helps that I have already driven in the series."
Series boss Jonathan Palmer was impressed with Vasiliauskas's rookie season and expects him to challenge for the title and the F1 test prize.
"For someone of such little experience, Kazim made a big impact in his first year of F2. I believe he has all the attributes required to earn an F1 drive for 2011. He is always quick, makes few mistakes, is extremely competitive and crucially very intelligent.
"He is going to be a very strong challenger for the championship and should he win I have no doubt he will impress Williams F1 when he tests at the end of the year. I really believe he could be the first Lithuanian in F1."
Last year's F2 champion, Andy Soucek, secured a deal as reserve driver for Virgin Racing following his F1 test prize with Williams.
Formula 2 will adopt the new F1 points system for this season, with the top 10 finishers scoring 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1.
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