Oscar Piastri has been announced as a member of the Renault Sport Academy, as well as the third driver in Prema’s FIA Formula 3 Championship line-up.
The Australian won the 2019 Formula Renault Eurocup title, and was a race winner in his first season in single-seaters two years prior in British Formula 4.
Piastri, 18, joined Prema last October for FIA F3 post-season testing, topping one of the four sessions he was in.
?I am very excited to join the Renault Sport Academy for 2020 and I can?t wait to get into the new season with Prema Racing in Formula 3,” said Piastri.
“Many talented drivers have come through the Academy and there is a strong line-up this year, so I?m looking forward to learning as much as I can from the fellow members.
“It was hard work getting to this point in my career having won the Formula Renault Eurocup last year, but it was all worth it, and I?m extremely proud to now be part of this illustrious team and Academy and maximising their support.?
Prema dominated the inaugural FIA F3 season last year, and already has a complete 2020 line-up with Logan Sargeant and Frederik Vesti alongside Piastri.
“Oscar is a really interesting prospect for the team,” Prema’s team principal Rene Rosin said.
“He scored plenty of great results during his career so far and we are looking forward to his F3 debut with great anticipation.
“We worked really hard over the winter to secure a competitive line-up for 2020 and I’m satisfied with how the team has come together.
“In addition, we welcome the collaboration with Renault and we are proud of the trust and regard of such an important manufacturer.
“This year, there will be some pretty big shoes to fill considering how 2019 went, but we will support our drivers at the highest level.?
Piastri is first confirmed driver on Renault’s junior roster for 2020, although many of the previous year’s roster is expected to be retained.
Mia Sharizman, Renault Sport Academy director, commented: ?We?re very excited to welcome Oscar to the Renault Sport Academy. We had the opportunity to monitor Oscar for the last three years in British F4 and the Formula Renault Eurocup.
“We were very impressed every time we saw Oscar, especially with his performances last season. He kept his cool against tough competition to secure the title in the closing stages of the year.
“He has great natural ability and is one of Australia?s most exciting young racing prospects.”
From the archives
Scout Report: Oscar Piastri (August 2017)