Red Bull-backed Mikhail Aleshin was a genuine championship
contender throughout 2009, and he made history by becoming the
first Russian ever to earn an FIA Superlicence as a result of
finishing third in the championship.
Consistency proved to be one of Aleshin's strongest attributes, and
incredibly he was one of only three drivers able to score points in
every weekend of the season. He started his campaign strongly,
picking up points in five of the opening eight races in a run that
included a podium at Brands Hatch and the runner-up spot in Brno.
He then qualified second for the opening race at Donington Park,
and maintained position throughout the race to collect his third
podium of the year.
His best result came at Oschersleben, where he sealed a maiden pole
position for the second race before going on to take his first
victory by just 0.479 seconds - the closest winning margin of the
season. The result put him second in the championship, and he
remained in contention for the runner-up spot until the very last
race of the season, eventually losing out to fellow Red Bull driver
Robert Wickens.
SPONSORS: Red Bull, Lukoil
BEST RESULTS: 1st, 3 x 2nd
BEST QUALIFYING: 1st, 2 x 2nd
RACING IDOL: Michael Schumacher, James Hunt,
Ayrton Senna
RESIDENCE DURING 2009 SEASON: Moscow, Russia &
Salzburg, Austria
OTHER INTERESTS: Guitarist in Russian rock
band