Ferrarj junior Zhou joins Virtuosi for F2 2019

Ferrari Driver Academy member Guanyu Zhou will step up to the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2019 after becoming the first driver to be named in UNI-Virtuosi Racing’s line-up for next season.

Zhou, 19, has raced in the FIA European Formula 3 Championship for the past three seasons, and recorded a best championship finish of eighth in 2018 with two race wins to his name.

The Chinese racer tested with Russian Time at the post-season F2 running in Abu Dhabi prior to the team’s takeover by UNI-Virtuosi Racing, confirmed earlier this week, with Zhou’s appointment being announced on Wednesday.

“I’m extremely happy to be joining UNI-Virtuosi racing for next season,” Zhou said.

“The Abu Dhabi test was very positive and I am ready to have a good strong year with such a professional team.”

Virtuosi team owner Andy Roche added: “We’re very happy to welcome Guanyu to our team and we are looking forward to working with him.

“He is a very talented driver and rapidly got to grips with the F2 car. The championship is extremely tough and we feel Guanyu has the talent to progress quickly and have a very strong competitive year with us."