Markelov to complete F2 season at Arden in Hubert’s car

Artem Markelov will make a two-round Formula 2 comeback with BWT Arden as replacement for Anthoine Hubert following his tragic death at the Belgian round.

The experienced Russian driver made his GP2 Series debut back in 2014 which led to five consecutive seasons in the Formula 1 support class.

Markelov has spent 2019 competing in the Japanese Super Formula series, where he has failed to score a point in the opening five rounds, and returns to Formula 2 action for the second time this season having stood in for Jordan King at MP Motorsport during the Monaco round where he secured a double top six finish.

Markelov fills in for Hubert following the French driver’s passing at Spa-Francorchamps in the horrific crash during the F2 feature race which also saw Juan Manuel Correa suffer life-threatening injuries.

The Russian driver will use the #22 as Hubert’s #19 has been retired for the remainder of the 2019 F2 campaign as a mark of respect to the Frenchman.

“First of all I want to give my best to the family of Anthoine,” Markelov said. “This guy was not only a good driver, he was a great man who was happy all the time and always gave us a smile. He showed everyone his talent.

“Thanks to the team for trusting me in this situation and I’m going do my best for them. We are going to drive together in memory of Anthoine.

“I’m really happy I’ll be driving for BWT Arden for the rest of the championship. It’s a really nice opportunity to drive at my home Grand Prix again. I hope for a strong result and I’ll work hard to achieve it.”

Markelov will compete alongside Tatiana Calderon at Arden for the final two rounds of the F2 season, while fellow Russian Matevos Isaakyan stands in for Correa at Sauber Junior Team by Charouz in Sochi to see a return to a full 20-driver grid.