Photo: Zak Mauger/GP2 Series Media Service
Callum Ilott will make his Formula 2 race debut on home ground at Silverstone this weekend with Trident.
The 18-year-old is currently fourth in the Formula 3 European Championship, having won three races so far in what is his third year in the category, driving for Prema.
His F2 chance comes with rival Italian outfit Trident, taking over the car that was driven by Raffaele Marciello at the Red Bull Ring last weekend following Sergio Canamasas moving to Rapax.
Ilott has previously driven an F2 car, running with ART Grand Prix for two days in Abu Dhabi at the end of last year.
?I?m really happy to make my F2 race debut, especially at the British Grand Prix, competing in front of the famous home crowd that so many drivers have described as a special and unique experience,? he said.
?It?s a great opportunity to get a chance to race in a category I have definitely got my eye on for the future.
“The opportunity has come together late so we had no chance to get on the sim or spend much time with the engineers unfortunately.
“Nonetheless,?I still want to make the most of the weekend aiming to do a good job in qualifying use the races to get useful experience of the different tyres, and gain a good understanding of tyre management, an element that makes a big difference in the category.”
Team manager Giacomo Ricci added:??We are honoured to have Callum Ilott on board as he is one of the most talented drivers and despite not having any opportunity to test ahead of the event, I?m sure he will be impressive out there.
“In 2016 we got great results on British soil with Luca Ghiotto and I?m sure that Callum will be equally impressive. He already experienced a promising test at Abu Dhabi and we are really excited to see him in action for his home round in our colours.”