Latifi remains with DAMS for 2019 F2 season

Nicholas Latifi will remain with DAMS for a third year in FIA Formula 2 in 2019, becoming the first confirmed driver in its line-up for next year.

Latifi, 23, finished ninth in the F2 standings last year with one win and two further podium finishes to his name as he balanced his racing commitments with a development role at Force India in Formula 1.

Latifi has been confirmed as Williams' F1 reserve driver for 2019, and will continue to run a race programme in tandem after being announced as DAMS' first F2 driver on Tuesday.

"My aims for this year are quite clear: I want to compete for the drivers’ title and help DAMS win the teams’ Championship," Latifi said.

"The potential has been there for us to fight at the front, but we had some bad luck early on in 2018. My best performances came in the last few rounds, so hopefully we can continue that strong form into 2019.

"Driving for DAMS has given me the opportunity to showcase my abilities, which has helped in securing my F1 role with Williams, and I’m excited to be returning for another season."

DAMS boss Jean-Paul Driot added: "It is very satisfying to welcome back Nicholas for another year. He recovered from illness at the start of last season and his performances in the second half showed he was capable of fighting for the title.

"As we have done in the past, our objective is to fight for both titles. He already has one foot in F1 and we will do everything to help Nicholas into a full-time drive, as we did with [Alexander] Albon.”