Formula 2's class of 2018 is ready to rumble

40

The FIA Formula 2 Championship kicks off this weekend in Bahrain with a fierce looking group of young chargers all gunning for glory.

Reigning champion Charles Leclerc has stepped up to F1 with Sauber, and the Monegasque will no doubt provide some good inspiration to the talented group of racers.

Last year's runner-up Artem Markelov returns for another shot at the title along with fellow race-winners Nyck de Vries, Nicholas Latifi, Luca Ghiotto, Sergio Sette Camara and Antonio Fuoco.

New kids on the F2 block include 2017 GP3 Series winner George Russell, along with fellow graduates Jack Aitken, Nirei Fukuzumi and Arjun Maini, and others...

Keep your eye on one man however, Carlin's Lando Norris. Our money is on the 18-year-old McLaren junior who also happens to be the youngest driver on the grid this year.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.