Ghiotto stays in Formula 2, joins Campos

Luca Ghiotto will return to the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2018 after signing a deal with Campos Racing, leaving the outgoing Russian Time team.

Ghiotto, 22, was runner-up to Force India Formula 1 driver Esteban Ocon in the 2015 GP3 standings before moving up to GP2 for the following season, which became F2 for 2017.

Ghiotto finished fourth in the championship last year, taking one race win at Monza, and is currently the highest-ranking driver from 2017 who is confirmed to be returning for the new season, agreeing a deal with Campos.

"I am obviously very excited to be joining Campos Vexatec Racing. Adrian Campos has the highest culture of motorsport due to his past as Formula 1 driver and the following experience as winning team principal," Ghiotto said.

"This is a great opportunity for me, because Campos Racing has shown many times that it is one of the best places for a young driver to be. I intend to make the most of this opportunity, while doing the best possible job for the team.

I would like to thank Adrián Campos and all the team for this opportunity, and I’m sure it is going to be an intense and successful season for us together."

Campos added: "Campos Vexatec Racing has been following Luca’s career for a few years and we were very impressed by his debut in the GP3 championship first and by his growth in the GP2 Series the following year, up to the 2017 season when the series became FIA Formula 2.

"To succeed in this challenge, particular drivers with an exceptional profile are needed and Luca meets this requirement perfectly. We are therefore very pleased to have him in Campos Racing, joining forces to approach the 2018 FIA Formula 2 championship with the highest of ambitions."

The new Formula 2 seasons gets underway in Bahrain on April 7.