Prema Racing announced that Australian racer Oscar Piastri will complete the team’s 2020 lineup in the Formula 3 Championship.
The 18-year-old from Melbourne took the 2019 Eurocup Formula Renault title, scoring seven wins and five pole positions. Joining the Renault Sport Academy for the coming season, he will be supported by the French manufacturer for his maiden year in Formula 3 competition.
Piastri made his European karting debut in 2014. In late 2016, he made the step to single seaters in the UAE F4 Championship, while in 2017 he took second place in the F4 British Championship, emerging as one of the most outstanding young prospects of the series.
In 2018, he advanced to Formula Renault, and quickly rose to prominence with his successful 2019 run. For 2020, he will join one of the most challenging series in motorsport after making his first foray in F3 during the 2019 postseason test at Valencia.
Team Principal René Rosin said: “Oscar is a really interesting prospect for the team. He scored plenty of great results during his career so far and we are looking forward to his Formula 3 debut with great anticipation.”
“We worked really hard over the winter to secure a competitive line-up for 2020 and I’m satisfied with how the team has come together. In addition, we welcome the collaboration with Renault and we are proud of the trust and regard of such an important manufacturer. This year, there will be some pretty big shoes to fill considering how 2019 went, but we will support our drivers at the highest level.”
Oscar Piastri added: “I am very excited to join the Renault Sport Academy for 2020 and I can’t wait to get into the new season with Prema Racing in Formula 3.”
“Many talented drivers have come through the Academy and there is a strong line-up this year, so I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can from the fellow members. It was hard work getting to this point in my career having won the Formula Renault Eurocup last year, but it was all worth it, and I’m extremely proud to now be part of this illustrious team and Academy and maximising their support.”