The tyre development process for the 2010 FIA Formula Two is nearing completion after a hugely positive test at Snetterton saw the new Williams JPH1B F2 car set a best time of 57.51 seconds around the Norfolk circuit.

Avon, who supplied tyres for the championship in its maiden 2009 season, have been working on a new tyre compound to cater for the significantly enhanced performance of the 2010 car. They supplied revised compounds at recent tests in Portimão and Barcelona, but have continued to develop the new tyre during the off-season, with the latest option proving to offer an outstanding blend of performance and durability.

The F2 car has already proved significantly faster than its 2009 predecessor during the recent tests in Spain and Portugal, with the car yielding gains of around three seconds per lap. With Steven Kane behind the wheel, the JPH1B's lap time of 57.51s compares favourably with Robert Wickens' best effort of 59.43s during last year's group tests at Snetterton - a circuit renowned for being hard to find large gains in time.

Though the new compound will continue to be monitored and evaluated during the season, James Goodfield, Chief Engineer during the test, revealed he was confident Avon had struck the ideal balance with their latest tyre. 

"We had a very positive test at Snetterton," Goodfield explained: "we know where we're going with the Avon tyre and we're confident it is the best compound they have come up with. The new tyre is incredibly quick but also has good durability, which is a very positive step for us. Steven Kane's lap time of 57.51s was also very good, so all in all it has been a very strong test for us."

Formula Two will now gear up for the first group test of the season at Snetterton on 6-7 April, before a second test at Silverstone on 12 April.

Interested drivers should contact the Championship Co-ordinator, James Gornall, at james.gornall@formulatwo.com or on 0044 1234 332439.