Artem Markelov will make his full-time FIA Formula 2 (F2) Championship return in 2020 with German outfit HWA Racelab.
Having taken over the reigns from British outfit Arden Motorsport at the end of the 2019 F2 season, HWA Racelab has announced veteran Markelov as its first signing for 2020 as the Russian secures a full-time return to the F1 feeder series.
It will be Markelov’s sixth season in F2 – which includes GP2 – as he returns to Europe after a year in Japan in the Super Formula series, where he couldn’t get going. In the five rounds he entered with Team Le Mans Toyota, the 25-year-old couldn’t score in any.
“I am really looking forward to racing for HWA RACELAB in Formula 2 next season,” said Markelov, upon the announcement. “I think we will gel quickly. HWA has a vast wealth of motorsport experience, from which I am sure I will benefit.”
Meanwhile, HWA AG’s CEO Ulrich Fritz added: “Artem is the ideal driver for us in our first season as an independent team in Formula 2. He has lots of experience at this level. His tally of eight race wins speaks for itself.
“His expertise as a driver will help make our introduction to the series easier. I am pleased that we were able to acquire his services.” Markelov will join the team in the post-season official two-day F2 test in Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit.
Markelov is also the first driver to be confirmed for the 2020 F2 season as things get serious now with only Abu Dhabi round remaining. The coming weeks will be filled with announcements regarding the drivers moving around to compete in the F1 feeder series.
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