Arthur Leclerc, younger brother of Ferrari Formula 1 racer Charles, will step up to Formula 2 next year with DAMS.
The 22-year-old graduates from FIA Formula 3, where he has spent two years racing for Prema. In that time he has won three races and also claimed the 2022 Formula Regional Asia title with the Prema-supported Mumbai Falcons team.
Before that he spent two years in Formula 4, coming fifth in French F4 and then third in ADAC F4, and in 2020 was the FRegional Europe runner-up.
“I’m delighted to be making the step up to F2 with DAMS in 2023,” said Leclerc.
“They’re a very successful team that has achieved great results in the championship, and I hope I can be a part of that and continue the team’s success.
“Charles Pic [DAMS owner] has done an amazing job to help the team back to winning ways throughout the season and I’m aiming to keep that going next year.
“We’ve a lot of work to do before the start of the new campaign in Bahrain in March, and I’m really looking forward to getting started in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi.”
That test takes place this week, with F2 teams still at Yas Marina Circuit after finishing their season there last weekend.
Leclerc is DAMS’ first signing for 2023, and Roy Nissany has confirmed he is moving on from the team after two years with the French outfit in F2.
“It’s great to have Arthur join DAMS for 2023,” team owner Charles Pic said. “We’ve seen his talent and skill throughout his career so far, and he’s shown in the last two years in F3 that he’s capable of challenging for victories.
“We’re excited to have him in the car for the post-season test in Abu Dhabi, preparing for next season. The team is aiming for a strong campaign in 2023, and we’ve no doubt that the addition of Arthur will help us towards our goals.”