F2 grid expands as Hitech becomes 11th team

Formula 2 has expanded its grid to 11 teams for the 2020 season after granting an entry to Hitech Grand Prix.

In a statement issued by F2 on Monday, it was confirmed that Hitech would be moving into the category for the first time this year, having established itself in Formula 3 over the past 18 years.

Hitech will race with cars #24 and #25 in F2 this year, lifting the category’s grid to 11 teams for the first time since 2016, when the series was known as GP2.

“I am pleased to welcome Hitech Grand Prix to our 2020 F2 grid,” said F2 CEO Bruno Michel. “As stated before, many teams continuously show interest in joining our Championship. Today’s driver market combined with Hitech’s prowess meant this addition to the new season became possible.

“Hitech Grand Prix enjoyed a strong Formula 3 season in 2019 and I know that although they are joining late, they will be able to adapt quickly to Formula 2 in order to fight against the other teams.”

Hitech owner Oliver Oakes added: “I’d like to thank Bruno for the trust placed in Hitech to give us an additional entry. Stepping up to F2 was always something we were aspiring towards, once we had established ourselves in the new era of Formula 3.

“With the new 18-inch rims and some car updates coming to F2 in 2020 it made entering now much more necessary than the end of 2020 where we would be a year behind the learning process.

“Of course, joining the grid this late means we are slightly up against it – but at Hitech we like a challenge! We are under no illusions that it will be a big ask to compete against some very established teams in F2 but I believe in our group and I am really excited for the first event in March at Bahrain.”

Hitech will make its first on-track appearance with the F2 car at the pre-season test in Bahrain from March 1-3 ahead of the opening round at the same circuit on March 21.