Italy's Nicola De Marco has become the latest driver to commit to Formula Two for a second season, following yesterday's announcement that Kazim Vasiliauskas will also return in 2010.

19-year-old De Marco enjoyed a highly promising maiden season in F2, recording his first pole position in tricky wet conditions in Brno before going on to clinch his first podium a day later, having led for much of the race. He also finished the year strongly with his best result of 2nd in the final race at Barcelona, finishing close behind 2009 champion Andy Soucek.

The Italian's single seater career stretches back to 2006, when he won three races and finished third overall in his maiden season in Formula Azzurra. He stepped up to Formula 3 Italy in 2007, scoring podiums on a regular basis and clinching one pole, before a strong 2008 campaign saw him outclass his RP Motorsport team-mates and finish fourth in Spanish F3, with two race wins and four podiums to his credit.

Nicola De Marco said: "I'm really happy to be returning for a second season of Formula Two. This year could be very good for me - I know the car, I know the series, so it's possible to put together a very good championship. I finished last year very strongly with my best result in the final race, and I also had some good results along the way, so for sure I'm only looking at winning the title. It will be difficult of course, but for me Formula Two is the best championship and gives me the best opportunity to progress, so it's great to be coming back."

Jonathan Palmer, Formula Two Series Director, said; "Nicola, very sensibly, is another front running 2009 F2 driver to build on what he learnt last year to give himself the best chance of winning the most prestigious FIA single seater championship after F1. He finished the F2 season as the fastest Italian driver and is being entirely realistic to believe he can take the title in 2010. One of the youngest drivers in F2, Nicola had a tough time last year combining his university studies with racing but will be more relaxed and confident this season. Capable of blistering pace and great consistency, I have no doubt Nicola will be a regular podium visitor in 2010."

To read more about Nicola De Marco, visit his 2010 driver's page here.

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