Austria's Philipp Eng came to F2 after three seasons of Formula
BMW, the last of which also included four F3 races. Philipp made a
sensational start to 2009, scoring back-to-back podiums in Valencia
and Brno to put himself joint third in the championship after three
races.
Eng, who tested for the BMW Sauber F1 team in 2008 as a reward for
winning the 2007 BMW World Final, followed up his strong opening
with a superb weekend at Brands Hatch. The 19-year-old took his
maiden pole position for race one, finishing just 0.013 seconds
ahead of Andy Soucek in one of the closest sessions of the season.
A good start allowed him to keep the lead on the run down to the
first corner, and despite severe pressure from Soucek, he drove a
superb defensive race to record his first victory in F2. He then
finished fourth in the second race, completing his most successful
weekend of 2009.
Eng suffered his share of misfortune in the latter part of the
season but still managed to score points at Donington Park, Imola
and Barcelona. The Austrian, who was mentored throughout the season
by ex-F1 pilot Christian Danner, finished the season eighth in the
championship, with one win and three podiums to his credit, and
would definitely be a championship contender in 2010.
SPONSORS: European Racing Events
BEST RESULTS: 1st, 2 x 3rd
BEST QUALIFYING: 1st, 3rd, 4th
RACING IDOL: Fernando Alonso
RESIDENCE DURING 2009 SEASON: Wals, Austria
OTHER INTERESTS: Road biking