'Extraordinary' is a word Hohenthal is hoping will similarly be used to describe his maiden campaign in Formula Two come season's end, even if he is well aware that the progression will signify 'a big step' for him. Insisting that he is not in the sport merely to make up the numbers, the 24-year-old asserts that he is ready for the challenge that lies ahead – and concentrating firmly on the task in-hand.

“Formula 1 is always a dream for a young driver,” he confessed. “Right from when you start out go-karting, Formula 1 is the top spot. There are currently only 18 drivers able to race there, though, and they are all very, very quick and have done a fantastic job to get themselves there. It's very tough.

“I'm not thinking about F1 just yet, though. It's just Formula Two for me; I have no manager and I do everything for myself, so I hope we can make this season a good one.

“Jonathan said at the launch that the performance of the Formula Two car will be similar to that of the World Series by Renault in terms of lap times and speed, and I've been in a World Series car for a test. I know it will be quite a big step-up speed-wise, but then again I have done two long seasons in Formula 3.

“I have tested a lot and I have been in the car a lot. I have learned a lot from my time in Formula 3, even though I didn't win the championship, and we proved that we could be quick when things were right.

“I think every time you go into a new year or a new championship, you don't know much about the new drivers – you don't know much more than what you have seen on the internet and what they have done before. There are maybe some guys you have raced against before, but the guys that have already signed up look quick. There are two good Red Bull-backed drivers in the championship and we have two ex-Formula 1 drivers putting their sons into the championship – and they are going to be quick as well.

“I'm not in motorsport just because I don't have anything else to do at the weekends. Hopefully we can have a good season and hopefully we can carry on from Formula Two to something even higher. I always keep my targets to myself, but I know what I have to do and I'm going to prepare a lot for this championship.

“It will be tough, with new cars and not much testing compared to what you do in F3, and there will be for me five new circuits and so on. It will be a challenge, but it's the same for everyone.”

TO LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW IN FULL: CLICK HERE