Sauber F1 junior Theo Pourchaire will stay with ART Grand Prix for his second FIA Formula 2 (F2) Championship season in 2022.

As expected, Pourchaire has been confirmed to stay with ART for his second year in F2 in 2022 after graduating to the championship in 2021. Sauber chief Frederic Vasseur already noted about this last year as the Frenchman signed the deal last week.

Having had a solid debut F2 season in 2021 with two wins against his name and finishing fifth in the drivers’ standings, Vasseur reckoned Pourchaire needed more time and experience in the championship before a step up to F1.

“I am proud to be continuing in F2 with ART Grand Prix in 2022,” said Pourchaire. “It’s an honour for me to work with such a great team. This will be our third year together and it has become like family to me. To continue with them in the pre-cursor to F1 is very exciting.

“I would like to thank the Sauber Academy for accompanying me once again. It will be a busy year and I want to have fun and gain experience for my future. We are more determined than ever, and we will be aiming for the F2 title.”

At the same time, ART Grand Prix Team Manager Sebastien Philippe added: “Continuing our adventure together makes sense! Theo has shown the range of his talents and there are many of them, both in individual terms and athletic ability.

“His motivation and determination are in tune with that of ART Grand Prix and winter preparation is going well. When you know that you have all the assets on your side, there is only one thing you can aim for, the title.”

2022 F2 line-up so far:

UNI-Virtuosi Racing: Jack Doohan, Marino Sato

MP Motorsport: Clement Novalak, Felipe Drugovich

Campos Racing: Ralph Boschung

Carlin: Logan Sargeant

DAMS: Roy Nissany

ART GP: Theo Pourchaire

Here’s Frederic Vasseur on not pushing Theo Pourchaire straight up