Gladdis becomes F2's youngest driver

The 17-year-old is the 23rd driver to be announced for the 2009 F2 series, leaving just one space on the grid to be filled.

Gladdis, who will turn 18 next week, made his car racing debut in Formula BMW two years ago, racing in Asia and Germany as well as following the full UK schedule.

He then switched to America for 2008, joining the Star Mazda Championship and taking one victory on the way to sixth in the championship, despite having to miss some rounds because he was too young to compete at the events.

F2 boss Jonathan Palmer believes Gladdis will have no trouble with the step up to F2 despite his young age and relative inexperience.

"Tom has had a rapid rise through the ranks following his discovery by BMW in late 2006, and despite his lack of experience he was a genuine contender for the Star Mazda Championship in only his second season of racing," said Palmer.

"Whilst F2 is a considerable step up for Tom, there's no doubting that he is a very talented young driver, and there's every chance he could be one of the surprise packages of the 2009 season."

Gladdis said he felt ready to graduate to F2, while acknowledging that 2009 might be a learning year.

"The level of driver talent is huge and it is going to be a challenging campaign, but you can learn so much by racing against tough opposition," he said.

"This may well be a two-year programme for me but the thought of winning a Formula One test will only make me push harder."