Prema has confirmed that reigning Formula 3 Champion Oscar Piastri will make the move to Formula 2 with the Italian team in 2021.
Piastri, who his part of the Renault junior programme, raced for Prema in F3 this year, where he edged out his rivals to take the Drivers’ Championship.
The Australian is expected to take the place of Mick Schumacher, who is set to move to Formula 1 with Haas next year.
As part of his preparations for the F2 drive, Piastri will be at the post-season test with the team at the Bahrain International Circuit.
“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!”
The F2 Championship will race at eight venues in 2021, with a revamped format seeing three races held per weekend.
Prema Team Principal Rene Rosin added: “We are delighted to welcome Oscar to our FIA Formula 2 team.
“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.”
