Gibraltar Resident Tom Gladdis becomes youngest driver in 2009 F2 line-up

17-year-old returns to Europe after successful campaign in America

Tom Gladdis, a Gibraltar resident, is competing in the 2009 FIA Formula Two Championship and has become the series' youngest driver.

British driver Gladdis is due to celebrate his 18th birthday next week, and he joins Formula Two after finishing sixth in the Star Mazda Championship in North America. Gladdis took one victory, two pole positions and three podiums in just 10 races

Tom Gladdis said: "I'm particularly looking forward to competing at Spa-Francorchamps for the first time as it is a circuit at which I have always dreamt of racing."

A Genuine Contender

Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of championship organiser MotorSport Vision, said: "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. 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."

The season starts with Brno then Spa and Brands Hatch followed by Donington Park and then on to Imola Italy then Germany, Barcelona and Spain.

Eurosport are covering all the events LIVE and paying particular interest to Gladdis.  Gladdis has two races per week one Saturday and one Sunday that's Over 1 hour and a half of TV coverage over a weekend.

Gladdis's car is sponsored by International local Law Firm, Marrache & Co, and the car also carries the word "GIBRALTAR" on it.

Marrache & Co are happy to be associated with a young aspiring driver, all the more so because he is making history as the first Gibraltar resident to race at such a high level.

Mr Benjamin Marrache, of Marrache & Co, stated that ‘it is a privilege to see on an international television channel, watched by millions, the coverage for Gibraltar and indeed for our Law Firm. This is the beginning of what could turn out to be a long and successful career'.