Former Formula 1 Esports participant Cem Bolukbasi will compete in this year’s FIA Formula 2 Championship with Charouz Racing System.
Bolukbasi entered the inaugural virtual series with Toro Rosso in 2017 but has since been climbing the single-seater ladder.
The Turkish driver classified fifth in last year’s Euroformula Open championship alongside selected outings in sportscars.
The 23-year-old tested for new Formula 2 entrant Van Amersfoort Racing at the post-season gathering in Abu Dhabi but for 2022 he will compete with Charouz Racing System.
He is the first participant from Formula 1’s Esports series to progress as far as Formula 2.
“I’m really, really happy to join Charouz Racing System for the FIA Formula 2 2022 season,” he said.
“I worked so hard to get an opportunity like this and first of all, I want to thank Charouz for putting their trust in me, I’ll do my very best to honour it.
“I obviously can’t wait to get in the car for the testing sessions, after my first taste of an old GP2 car later last year.
“It’s as close as you can get to a Formula 1 car and I’m fully determined to give my 110 per cent to learn how to master it and prove my potential as a driver.
“I also can’t wait to start working with the team, the season ahead is going to be very long and demanding and establishing the best possible relationship with all the guys is going to be crucial for the final outcome.”
Bolukbasi is Charouz’s first confirmed signing for the 2022 season.
