Cole graduates to Formula 2

Cole impressed series organisers by running consistently in the top 10 during a two-day test at Snetterton yesterday, and even took the Williams JPH1B F2 car to the top of the timesheets in one session.

The Briton - a previous McLaren AUTOSPORT BRDC award finalist - will graduate from the British Formula 3 National Class in which he finished as runner-up last year.

"I chose F2 because of the enjoyment of driving the car," said Cole. "It's got a lot of power and it's great that everyone's got the same equipment - you don't have to pay for a better car and I'm looking forward to a good season.

"The first test at Silverstone went well, we were in the top six straight away and I'd never driven the car before, so if I can regularly be in the top six we'll see what happens from there."

Formula 2 series director Jonathon Palmer was impressed with Cole's performance, and believes the 22-year-old will be an asset to the series.

"James has enjoyed a great deal of success in his racing career so far and is clearly an outstanding prospect," said Palmer. "We're delighted he's competing in F2 this year. He adapted to the Williams F2 car remarkably well in the tests at Silverstone and Snetterton, and was impressively quick from the outset.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what he achieves this season in the equal environment of Formula 2, where he'll be competing against a field of exceptionally talented drivers across some truly legendary F1 circuits."

Cole, who joins Polish driver Natalia Kowalska and German Tobias Hegewald as the latest recruits to the series, is a former British Formula Ford champion, having won the series outright in 2009.