Kazim Vasiliauskas was one of the stars of the 2009 F2 season,
belying his age and inexperience with a series of polished drives
that suggest he could be one of the brightest prospects in world
motorsport.
With a background of karting and just one season of Formula
Renault, F2 was a big leap for the determined Lithuanian, but
he astounded all with a brilliant podium in the very first
race in Valencia. The Lithuanian continued to impress by showing
amazing maturity with top eight points finishes in Brno,
Spa-Francorchamps and Brands Hatch.
It all came together perfectly at Imola though where Kazim took
a superb maiden victory after starting from pole. The 19-year-old
drove with remarkable assurance, defending his lead in the early
stages before winning by seven seconds from Mirko Bortolotti. The
victory had added celebration as his father was forced to shave his
head following a private bet between the pair at the start of the
season!
With further podiums in Donington Park and Oschersleben, Kazim
finished the season seventh overall in the championship. Remarkably
consistent, he was one of only three drivers to score points every
weekend, and outscored everyone but Aleshin and Soucek over the
second half of the season. He will be looking to continue such form
into this season, and will certainly have his eyes on the 2010
title - and the prize of an F1 test drive with Williams.