PIASTRI CONFIRMED FOR FORMULA 2

Oscar Piastri confirmed for F2 – Photo: Supplied

Australian Oscar Piastri is one step closer to reaching motor sport’s top level after Prema Racing confirmed he will progress into the team’s FIA Formula 2 Championship program for 2021.

By HEATH McALPINE

Earlier this year, Piastri secured the FIA Formula 3 Championship at his first attempt following victory in Formula Renault Eurocup in 2019, becoming part of the Renault Sport Academy.

The 19-year-old will kick off his Formula 2 preparations at Bahrain on December 8-10 where he will participate in the category’s post-season test.

Piastri took two race wins on his way to narrowly defeating Frenchman Theo Pourchaire by three-points in this year’s Formula 3 title and is eagerly anticipating taking the next stop towards Formula 1.

“I’m super excited to be racing with Prema in the 2021 FIA Formula 2 Championship,” Piastri said.

“We had a very successful 2020 season, winning the Formula 3 championship together, and I’m hoping for another successful year with them. Prema has proven to be the team to beat once again in F2 this year, so I’m extremely happy to be moving into the championship with them.

“I’m very grateful to stay a part of the Prema family, and I’m looking forward to plenty more pizza and pasta!”

Prema Racing is widely acknowledged as the benchmark team among the Formula 1 development categories. Currently, Prema driver Mick Schumacher leads the FIA Formula 2 Championship and is likely to take the step into Formula 1 next year, while Robert Schwartzman sits fourth ahead of the season finale this weekend in Bahrain.

Team principal Rene Rosin is excited to retain Piastri as he continues his path towards Formula 1.

“We are delighted to welcome Oscar to our FIA Formula 2 team,” said Rosin.

“Not only he is a talented racer with outstanding speed skills. He has a clear understanding of the complexities of today’s motorsports and he is extremely adaptable.

“Having witnessed his progress and success throughout the 2020 season, taking our relationship to the next step for the 2021 FIA Formula 2 Championship felt like the natural thing to do and we look forward to having him on-track right from Bahrain.”

As part of the Renault Sport Academy, Piastri was provided the opportunity to test a Renault Sport R.S. 18 in Bahrain last month.

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