Luca Ghiotto has called off his FIA Formula 2 (F2) Championship retirement as he returns for action in 2020 with Hitech GP alongside Nikita Mazepin.
With no future in F1 due to budget, Ghiotto started thinking about drive in sportscar racing for 2020 after ending his stint with UNI-Virtuosi Racing in 2019. However, the Italian has now decided otherwise as he will stay in F2 for another season with Hitech GP.
The British outfit is the 11th F2 outfit and has roped in Ghiotto, who will be valuable in their development with the experience he has. The Italian will be joined by Mazepin, who switches from ART Grand Prix and re-unites with Hitech GP.
“I’m ready for this next challenge that lies ahead in the upcoming F2 Championship,” said Ghiotto. “I’m looking forward to getting back behind the wheel in a few weeks. I would like to thank Hitech for giving me the opportunity to join the squad on their debut in the championship.
“I have my sights set on a strong season with the British-based squad.” At the same time, Mazepin added: “I am really happy to race with Hitech as they embark on their first season in the F2 Championship. It feels great to compete in F2 for another season.
“I am very much looking forward to the challenge and it will undoubtedly be exciting, given the new car updates and 18-inch wheels this year.” And finally, Hitech GP team boss Oliver Oakes added:
“As we embark on our first season in F2 we were keen to secure the services of two drivers with experience and in both Ghiotto and Mazepin I feel we have a line up which will not only with allow us to get quickly up to speed with the new car, but also to fight in the front from the offset.”
2020 F2 line-up so far:
Prema: Mick Schumacher and Robert Shwartzman
HWA Racelab: Artem Markelov and Giuliano Alesi
ART Grand Prix: Marcus Armstrong and Christian Lundgaard
UNI-Virtuosi Racing: Callum Ilott and Guanyu Zhou
DAMS: Daniel Ticktum and Sean Gelael
MP Motorsport: Felipe Drugovich
Carlin: Yuki Tsunoda
Hitech GP: Luca Ghiotto and Nikita Mazepin
Here’s the test dates for F2 in 2020
Here’s details on the race numbers to used with no #19
Here’s the links to the five episodes of F2: Chasing The Dream docu
Here’s details on the changed F2 and F3 regulation for 2020