Soucek hails upgraded F2 car progress

The Williams-designed machine is undergoing a development programme that has meant it is already a second quicker per lap than in its debut season in 2009.

Further updates are scheduled to be introduced later this month.

"The car is developing nicely and we have already made progress with the set-up, extra power, electronics and the throttle map," said Soucek, the man in charge of driving the development car.

"The car was already more than a second quicker than the others in Portimao and we still have a lot to come, so it is all very positive.

"I am very focussed on developing the F2 car - after one year of knowing the car, the championship and all of the personnel I was very keen to be involved.

"The programme went really well before Christmas - Giles Butterfield and the team are working really hard and I am enjoying working with them very much. It has been hard work but also very rewarding."

The 2010 car will have an increase in engine power, with a new turbocharger which will raise the power from 400bhp to 425bhp.

Thanks to that, and the improved aero efficiency, Soucek reckons the car will be three seconds faster than last year.

"I am looking forward to the new aero package and the reduction in weight - I hope that the 2010 car will be around three seconds per lap quicker than last year," he added.

"We have an important programme in the coming weeks and I am really excited about it. The plan is to improve the car in all areas and I will be proud to be a part of the presentation once it is finished.

"No matter where I am over the coming years I always want to be a part of F2 - I owe Jonathan Palmer and the championship a lot and I am delighted to be closely involved in F2's future."