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Tuscher closes in on Bacheta and title showdown

Maiden win helps reduce points deficit further

Mathéo Tuscher now has Formula Two championship leader Luciano Bacheta firmly in his sights after his maiden win last time out at Paul Ricard reduced the points deficit further with just two rounds left to play out.

The 15-year-old Swiss, who lies second in the drivers' standings, has enjoyed a superb debut season in F2 and was finally rewarded with his first win at the French track - his adopted home circuit. He followed that up with a further top three finish to move his podium tally onto an impressive seven and just one shy on Bacheta. His recent strong form has also seen him outscore his British rival on four of the past six occasions, as well as averaging 14.5 more points in total during the same period.

He now lies 32.5 points adrift of Bacheta, reduced to 26.5 on dropped scores, with four races and 100 points still up for grabs. "Paul Ricard was by far my best weekend in Formula Two so far," said Tuscher afterwards. "Technically it is my 'home' circuit but I've never actually driven there before. It was an amazing first race and obviously I was very happy with the result! Afterwards I wasn't even aware I'd moved up into second place in the championship so it was a great feeling when I found out."

He added: "I know Luciano is the guy in front and the guy I need to beat but it's going to be really tough. I'm also going to have to work really hard at keeping hold of my second place as well because Christopher Zanella is very close, as is Markus Pommer. Obviously I will try to beat Luciano but we will have to see."

Tuscher and the rest of the F2 drivers are now preparing for the next rounds which take place on 7-9 September at the Hungaroring in Budapest before the season finale in Monza.