The Ferrari Driver Academy announces its drivers in F2
The Ferrari Driver Academy has just announced the list of its drivers who will participate in the 2020 Formula 2 championship, and one thing is certain: the competition among them will be fierce. Indeed, no fewer than 5 drivers will represent the Maranello team next year.
Prema; a 100% Ferrari driver duo
Mick Schumacher has been extended at Prema, but if today the German represents the spearhead of the prancing horse, next season he will be faced with another Scuderia driver.
This newcomer is not just anyone since he is the brand-new F3 champion, the Russian Robert Shwartzman. He has been part of the Prema team for 3 years now and aims to win the championship.
« Our goal is to win the championship because we have shown this year that, even with a new car and many unknowns, it is possible to be directly at the front. » explains the Russian driver before continuing: « I am sure that we have what it takes to do it again in 2020. I will do my best to learn the tires and the car as quickly as possible to be at the highest level from the start. I thank Ferrari, the Ferrari Driver Academy, and SMP Racing for their support. » states Robert Shwartzman again.
One thing is certain, there will be a comparison between the two drivers of the Ferrari Driver Academy and the focus will obviously be on Mick Schumacher’s performances. If his first season seems difficult, he will have the advantage next year of knowing the circuits as well as the experience of strategies implemented in F2.
Art Grand Prix; Marcus Armstrong replaces Nyck de Vries
The vacancy left by the departure of the new Formula 2 champion Nyck de Vries will be filled by the F3 vice-champion, New Zealander Marcus Armstrong. By joining the ART Grand Prix team, he inherits a seat in a top-tier team. Indeed, for several years, the French team has been delivering strong performances in the feeder series to Formula 1.
The French team had already wanted to sign Marcus in F3 and is therefore delighted today to have him in their ranks for the upcoming season.
« Marcus’s profile perfectly fits the company’s philosophy, and we are pleased to have him with us in Formula 2 because I believe that with his racing approach and adaptability, he will be able to compete for the top positions. Marcus is only in his third year of single-seaters, and he has already accomplished great things compared to drivers of his generation who have much more experience. The winter preparation will be crucial for the success of the ART/Marcus partnership, but I am confident we can achieve great things with him. » stated Sébastien Philipe, President of ART Grand Prix.
The young New Zealander will take his place in the French car during the 3 days of testing following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. While he admits to feeling the pressure, he remains confident and determined to learn from ART Grand Prix.
I’m going to discover the pit stops and race strategies, but I’m determined to do a good job from the start. We will be driving in Abu Dhabi during the three days of testing, and after virtual preparation with a simulator and computer, I will be eager to get behind the wheel of a Formula 2 car with ART Grand Prix. I would like to thank the team, as well as the Ferrari Driver Academy and all the management at Ferrari for giving me the best opportunity to start in Formula 2.
Marcus Armstrong is expected to team up next year with Danish driver Christian Lundgaard, a member of the Renault Sport Academy. The latter will take part in the last two F2 races of the season in Abu Dhabi with Team Trident.
Uni Virtuosi; Callum Ilott contender for the title
The English driver, like Mick Schumacher, was a rookie this year in Formula 2. He is currently 5 points ahead of the German driver in the championship. Although he currently races for the Sauber Junior Team by Charouz, his future in Formula 2 is set with the Uni-virtuosi team, currently second in the constructors’ championship.
“I’m happy to join UNI-Virtuosi for 2020. I think it’s the best team for me to fight for the title, as it’s in the team’s DNA, and I share the same appetite for success,” stated Callum Ilott on his website.
He could be a favorite for the next season, indeed the British team is having a rather successful 2018-2019 season by placing its drivers Lucas Ghiotto and Guan Yu Zhou in 3rd and 7th place respectively in the drivers’ championship.
HWA Racelab; Alesi teammate of Markelov
For his part, the Frenchman is having a rather complicated season with Team Trident, the last team in the constructor’s championship with just 13 points to their credit. The choice for the coming year has therefore been to leave Trident and join a new team.
The team of the late Anthoine Hubert, BWT Arden, has indeed been completely acquired by one of its former financial backers, HWA Racelab.
Following the announcement of his signing, Giuliano Alesi wanted to thank his future team for the warm welcome he received, adding that he was happy to be part of this impressive organization.
« All the employees are already highly motivated and I look forward to working with a great team, that’s the most important thing for me. I can’t describe how I feel right now, I’m over the moon. » declared Giuliano Alesi.
His teammate next year will be the experienced Artem Markelov, who will embark on his sixth full season in Formula 2.
Scuderia Ferrari will have their work cut out next year to keep a close eye on all their protégés.
