UNI-Virtuosi takes over Russian Time F2 entry

UNI-Virtuosi will officially join the Formula 2 grid in 2019 after taking over Russian Time’s entry and assets following the final race of the year in Abu Dhabi.

Russian Time has raced in F2 and its predecessor, GP2, since 2013, with Virtuosi Racing running the team’s operations since the start of the 2015 season.

Virtuosi played a key role in Russian Time’s teams’ championship victory in 2017, but will now take over the entire team’s entry from next season, with lead driver Artem Markelov set to depart the championship.

“I am pleased to welcome UNI-Virtuosi as part of the F2 field in 2019,” Formula 2 CEO Bruno Michel said.

“We are familiar with the hard-working group of people who will run the team. They have been very successful in our Championship and I know we can expect the same level of performance from them next season.
 
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Russian Time, Svetlana Strelnikova and Artem Markelov for their dedication over the years. It’s been a pleasure to work with them and to see Artem grow into one of the most interesting drivers to watch on track.”

UNI-Virtuosi Team Owner Andy Roche added: “We are pleased to announce that UNI-Virtuosi will race in Formula 2 next season. We have enjoyed a very successful four years with Russian time and would like to wish Artem and Svetlana good luck with their future plans.

“UNI-Virtuosi Racing’s owners, Paul Devlin, Declan Lohan and I are fully committed to continue with the same mind set which led Russian Time to the 2017 Teams championship, 13 race wins and 38 podiums and the team will continue with the same engineering staff and structure to ensure this success continues in to 2019 and beyond.
 
“We are close to announcing drivers for 2019 and expect to a final decision very soon."