RACING driver Will Bratt has signed an 11th-hour deal to compete in the 2011 FIA Formula 2 Championship.

Off the back of a highly successful track return during official F2 testing at Snetterton in Norfolk the week before last, the 22-year-old Banbury racer has firmed up his racing plans for the coming year with the sole focus of lifting the title – and with it the coveted prize of a Formula One test drive with Grove’s AT&T Williams F1 team.

Bratt, who won the Euroseries 3000 Championship and Italian Formula 3000 crown in 2009 before stepping in to Formula 2, aims to begin the campaign strongly when the first two rounds of 2011 get under way this weekend, at Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit.

Bratt said: “I really am very happy to return to F2 this year. It’s a fantastic championship with an incredible prize and we visit some of the very best circuits in the world.

“My sole aim is to win the title this year, that’s my expectation and I intend to deliver. The deal is very late in the day, so we did miss the Silverstone test in March, but that shouldn’t be a problem – I’m confident we’ll be strong.”

Bratt, who will celebrate his 23rd birthday on Wednesday, finished fifth in the F2 driver standings during his maiden season in the category and although securing four podiums, by his own standards he was disappointed with the eventual outcome.

He added: “Last year was disappointing by the high standards I set for myself, we should have won a couple of races at least and finished top three overall. We did have quite a bit of misfortune for a variety of reasons but I’m back in F2 to win it this time, I’m not setting my sights any lower. I really am delighted to be back.”

Although missing the official pre-season Silverstone test during late March, which could well hand some advantage to his main rivals ahead of the first two rounds, Bratt underlined his pace and ability with a tremendous test outing at Snetterton 12 days ago. Even though having been away from the track for a full six months, he delivered a stunning performance with the second fastest time overall.