Marco Wittmann will graduate to the Formula 3 Euroseries in 2009 with Mücke Motorsport after finishing as runner-up in the inaugural Formula BMW Europe series.

The German, who claimed 11 podiums on the way to second place, was one of the series' star performers in 2008, a feat that has now been rewarded with one of the first confirmed seats on the Euroseries grid.

Wittmann, who follows in the footsteps of Sebastian Vettel and Sebastien Buemi by moving from FBMW to F3 with Mücke, was delighted to be joining one of the most successful teams in the series.

“I'm truly looking forward to racing in the Formula 3 Euro Series and it's fantastic that I will have the chance of doing so for such an experienced team,” he said. “I want to be a factor in the battle for podium finishes right from the beginning of the season and possibly even secure a race win, every now and then.”

Team principal Peter Mücke was also delighted to be welcoming Wittmann on board and is already predicting podium results for the teenager.

“We are really delighted with having succeeded in signing Marco for our team,” he said. “He is a competitive driver who has got the potential for making it to the podium.” By cooperating with Wittmann, added Mücke, the team wants to help the young gun on the way to preparing for the higher motor-racing categories.

Mücke Motorsport finished third in the F3 Euroseries standings this season with the combination of Mika Maki, Christian Vietoris and Erik Janis.