Soucek eyeing F1 shot after F2 title

The 24-year-old Spaniard clinched the F2 title at Imola today, with three races still to go. His prize includes eligibility for an F1 superlicence and a test with the Williams team.

He is looking forward to the opportunity to show Williams what he can do in F1 machinery and hopes he has proven himself enough to be considered seriously for a future in F1.

"I think I've done a very good championship and I have to be very proud of it," Soucek said. "I'm really happy and I still don't believe I will have a test with Williams and a chance to get into F1.

"I think a Formula 1 driver has to be able to win, not just from pole, but also to prove that you know how to climb your way up from further back as well.

"The test will be my second F1 drive after I already tested for Toyota in 2006. But this will be a new experience for me with slicks and the 2009 car, which has been a good car for Williams, so hopefully I can do a good test. I will prepare myself physically as much as I can and if it goes well, we will see what happens next year."

Soucek added that he was pleased to clinch the championship with what he called his best drive of the season so far. He started sixth, three places behind title rival Mikhail Aleshin, but made his way up to third while Aleshin slipped back to seventh.

"I think that was maybe my best race so far, even though the wins are more enjoyable," he said. "I had to escape the mess at the first corner without risking too much, I overtook [Philipp] Eng around the outside and then it was all about the rhythm.

"I thought I could pass Aleshin then I heard that it was [Robert] Wickens [Aleshin had already fallen behind] so I didn't need to risk as much. But it was nice to make the places up on the track today and not take any just because people had to retire."