GP3 race winner Boccolacci replaces Merhi in MP's F2 squad

Dorian Boccolacci will step up from GP3 to take the place of ex-Formula 1 driver Roberto Merhi at MP Motorsport for this weekend's Formula 2 round at Spa. 

The Frenchman, who sits seventh in the GP3 standings having claimed victory for the Dutch squad at the Hungororing, will move up to the team’s F2 outfit to race alongside Ralph Boschung at the upcoming round in Belgium.

MP provided no further details surrounding Merhi’s departure, with the Spaniard leading the team’s F2 assault and picking up a podium in the Monaco feature race.

"I'm grasping this opportunity with both hands", Boccolacci said. "Being promoted to F2 halfway into my second season in GP3 is a sign of confidence by MP Motorsport, a team with which I have gelled really well.

“I'm looking forward to the step up in both power and downforce, and that at the most exciting track on the calendar."

Team manager Sander Dorsman added: "Dorian has been outstanding in his GP3 stretch with us. We've been working very well together, so we are happy to promote him to the top category in our programme. I'm sure he will quickly adapt to the F2 car."

Boccolacci becomes the second driver to make the jump from GP3 to F2 this season, following Alessio Lorandi's move to Trident to fill the vacated seat of the banned Haas F1 junior Santino Ferrucci. 

Formula Renault Eurocup and former Red Bull-backed racer Richard Verschoor will fill the void left by Boccolacci in MP's GP3 driver line-up.