Hitech GP has confirmed its entry in the FIA Formula 2 (F2) Championship from 2020 onward as it becomes the 11th outfit on the grid.
There were already speculations of Hitech GP making a move to F2 towards the end of the 2019 season. This has now been officially confirmed by the promoters to make it 11 teams as they will take up #24 and #25 on the grid from 2020 season onward.
Hitech GP came under the F1 umbrella in 2019 when F3 replaced GP3 Series. The British team now completes the ladder by fielding a team in F2. “I’d like to thank Bruno for the trust placed in Hitech to give us an additional entry,” said Oliver Oakes.
“Stepping up to F2 was always something we were aspiring towards, once we had established ourselves in the new era of F3. With the new 18-inch rims and some car updates coming to F2 in 2020 it made entering now much more necessary than the end of 2020 where we would be a year behind the learning process.
“Of course, joining the grid this late means we are slightly up against it – but at Hitech we like a challenge! We are under no illusions that it will be a big ask to compete against some very established teams in F2 but I believe in our group and I am really excited for the first event in March at Bahrain.”
At the same time, F2 CEO Bruno Michael, stated: “I am pleased to welcome Hitech Grand Prix to our 2020 F2 grid. As stated before, many teams continuously show interest in joining our Championship.
“Today’s driver market combined with Hitech’s prowess meant this addition to the new season became possible. Hitech GP enjoyed a strong F3 season in 2019 and I know that although they are joining late, they will be able to adapt quickly to F2 in order to fight against the other teams.”
The new team is yet to reveal any driver names but speculations within the paddock suggests that they will have Nikita Mazepin – whose backer Uralkali is a partner of the outfit – and McLaren junior, Sergio Sette Camara.
Here’s the latest on F2 driver line-up for 2020
Here’s the test dates for F2 in 2020
Here’s details on the race numbers to used in F2 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
Schumacher: Another F2 season with 18-inch tyres will be useful for F1