Oxfordshire driver Will Bratt is to compete in the Formula 2 Championship as he bids to continue his journey towards Formula 1.

Fresh from winning his maiden GP2 Asia Series campaign in Bahrain as support to the first Grand Prix of the season, the 21-year-old, from Banbury, has become the latest signing for the MotorSport Vision-run category which starts at Silverstone on the weekend of April 17-18.

Re-established in 2009 after an absence of 25 years, Formula 2 has already produced Andy Soucek, who has already graduated to F1 with the Virgin Racing team.

“I’m really excited about the prospect of driving a Formula 2 car,” said Bratt.

“It’s one of the most high-profile and best-promoted championships on the international stage, plus it’s designed to produce a level playing field so the onus is on driving talent.

“Obviously, my aim is to learn the car as quickly as possible and enjoy some good, close racing. But that’s not to underestimate the challenge by any means.

“My experience of racing in Europe should certainly be beneficial but, having said that, we know it’ll be a very tough season.”

Last year, Bratt won the Euroseries 3000.

His maiden Formula 2 test will come with a two-day outing at Snetterton Circuit in Norfolk on Easter Monday, April 5, and Tuesday, April 6.

The championship will be made up of 18 races, each of which will be televised on Eurosport.