Prema Powerteam announced Gianluca Petecof as its fourth driver for the 2019 Formula 4 season.
The 16-year-old Brazilian will be racing with Prema for the second consecutive year. In addition to a full campaign in the Italian Formula 4 Championship, he will also contest the full German Championship.
In what is expected to become a pivotal season for him, the Ferrari Driver Academy and Shell Driver Academy supported driver is now aiming to collect the dividends of a positive rookie season.
At his first foray in single seaters, moving on after a successful karting career, Petecof showed consistent improvement throughout the year and gained valuable experience, securing several top-10 finishes and even hitting the overall podium multiple times. Keeping his best for last, he brought home three podiums and his maiden overall win in the Italian series finale at Mugello to end the year in style.
Petecof is now eager to continue on the same note this season and will do so by facing a promising double challenge in the two most prestigious Formula 4 championships in motorsport.
“Gianluca impressed us from day one with a really positive attitude, and we are happy to continue working him in what will be an extremely important year for his career.” Said Team Principal Angelo Rosin
“Moving up from karting to single-seaters, he learned a lot and made outstanding progress throughout 2018, ending the season in successful fashion and showing he has what is needed to be a leading contender.”
“We are also proud of our continued relationship with the Ferrari Driver Academy, as for 2019 we will have FDA-supported drivers in every series from Formula 4 to Formula Regional European Championship, FIA Formula 3 and FIA Formula 2.”
Gianluca Petecof added: “The 2019 season is finally beginning and I couldn’t be happier and more excited to stay with Prema Powerteam for another year. I think that after the 2018 season, I learned how much of a family Prema is. It’s a great team and it’s not a coincidence that they have such an outstanding history.”
“The amount of experience I gained in my first season with them was unbelievable. Never in my career, I got to learn as much as I did with Prema in 2018. Together with Shell Motorsport and the Ferrari Driver Academy I can achieve great things, so I’m looking forward to fighting for the title in 2019.”