Formula 3 runner-up Theo Pourchaire will graduate full-time to Formula 2 this season with the front-running ART Grand Prix operation.
Pourchaire became Formula 3’s youngest race winner in 2020, aged just 16, and surged into title contention, finishing three points shy of eventual champion Oscar Piastri.
Pourchaire stepped up to Formula 2 for the final two rounds in Bahrain with the HWA squad before switching to ART for post-season testing.
The Frenchman, who won the 2019 German Formula 4 title, is also part of Sauber’s Formula 1 driver academy.
ART won successive Drivers’ crowns with George Russell and Nyck de Vries across 2018 and 2019 respectively.
It previously guided Nico Rosberg, Lewis Hamilton, Nico Hulkenberg and Stoffel Vandoorne to titles in Formula 2’s predecessor GP2.
“I am very happy to be able to continue with ART Grand Prix,” said Pourchaire.
“This team gave me the opportunity to drive in F3 last year and now accompanies me to the gates of Formula 1, in F2.
“This year my aim does not change, I’m still aiming for the top. I feel perfectly ready for this new season.
“I will probably be the youngest driver in the F2 championship this year, so the goal will be to gain as much experience as possible and to progress throughout the season.”
ART has not confirmed the identity of Pourchaire’s team-mate though 2020 racer Christian Lundgaard carried out post-season testing last month.
Lundgaard’s 2020 team-mate, Marcus Armstrong, has already secured a move to DAMS.