Following confirmation that 2009 International Formula Master runner-up Sergey Afanasiev had signed up to compete in F2 this season, the official Formula Two website spoke with the talented 21-year-old...

What attracted you to Formula Two?

It is very difficult to find the right category each year and success in other series depends not only on a driver but also the right car, the right people and engineers. I'm pleased that the F2 car has been advanced for 2010 and I'm sure it will be really fast. The FIA Formula Two Championship is a good balance between promotion, price and we will race at some of Europe's exciting circuits - also there's a lot of good race drivers from around the world in F2. I'm excited about the overboost button, which I cannot wait to try during a race weekend. I am also looking forward to using the steering wheel buttons to adjust the wing set-up.

You must have been pleased with your 2009 campaign?

Last year I was runner-up in International Formula Master - it was a good result, but there is still a lot to learn and to strive for. My title sponsor Lukoil has supported me from first steps in single seater racing and F2 will be one more step towards the highest tier in motorsport. My results in 2009 helped me to find sponsorship again for this year, which is of course vital. Jonnesway is another company who continues to support me so it seems that they are happy with me, my results and the promotion that they receive.

Russia seems to be enjoying lots of recent success in motorsport - do you feel the sport is growing in popularity back home?

Yes - last year was awesome for Russian drivers! Petrov, Aleshin and I - it has never been like this for Russia before.  Most of us come from a time where we were karting in 2003-2005. From there we jumped into a junior formula category like Formula Russia for example. It is great for us and hopefully this year Vitaly will show his potential in Formula One, and I will continue my climb to the top of 'motorsport mountain' too.

Who are your racing idols and what do you like to do away from motorsport?

I never really had an idol in racing but I keep an eye on few drivers like Vettel, Kubica and Zanardi. Michael Schumacher's comeback will also be interesting of course! Also I like to follow the WRC: Loeb and Novikov, who I was teamates with in karting. Away from racing I do a lot of studying and this year I will graduate to my second university. I like to learn many new things and I hope to learn some more languages in the future!

What are your targets for the 2010 season?

My target is to first understand a new car and also to learn some fantastic circuits that I have never been to before. There will be many good drivers in the championship but I expect to be fighting for podiums.