Photo: Prema
FIA Formula 3 champion Oscar Piastri will stay with Prema when he steps up to Formula 2 next season.
Formula Scout revealed last week that the Australian would be driving for Prema in the post-season test in Bahrain next week and the Italian outfit has now confirmed that he has signed to race with it in 2021.
Piastri won the Formula Renault Eurocup title in 2019 to earn a place on the Renault Sport Academy, and also signed a management deal with Formula 1 race-winner Mark Webber prior to his F3 campaign.
“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!”
Piastri is the first driver to have his place on the 2021 F2 grid confirmed.
“We are delighted to welcome Oscar to our FIA Formula 2 team,” team boss Rene Rosin said.
“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”
Ferrari junior Robert Shwartzman – Piastri’s predecessor as F3 champion with Prema – is expected to stay with the team in 2021 after winning four races as a rookie this season.