Renault junior Lundgaard joins ART Grand Prix for F2 2020

Renault Formula 1 youngster Christian Lundgaard will graduate to Formula 2 in 2020 after completing ART Grand Prix’s line-up for the forthcoming season.

Lundgaard, 18, took one win en route to sixth overall in the FIA Formula 3 standings last year with ART, having made the step up from Formula Renault Eurocup.

The Danish driver made a cameo appearance in the final round of the F2 season in Abu Dhabi with Trident before completing running for ART in the post-season test.

The team announced on Tuesday that Lundgaard would be graduating to F2 for the 2020 season, partnering Ferrari youngster Marcus Armstrong.

“It’s going to be a very challenging year stepping up to F2 with ART,” said Lundgaard. “I’m happy to be staying with the team and I fully believe in them. Obviously, it will be tougher than 2019 as the races are longer and there’s also the challenge of pit stops.

“I was lucky to do the F2 race in Abu Dhabi as it meant I got a taste for what racing in F2 will be like this year. I’m confident that 2020 will be a success as I have the best team behind me. 2020 is a year which will decide a lot of things moving forward in my career.

“I need to do well and prove what I’m capable of doing at the wheel. My goal is to win the championship. I would like to thank my sponsors, investors, Renault, my family and my manager for making this next step in F2 with ART happen.”

ART team chief Sebastien Philippe added: “In 2019 Christian confirmed all the good things that were expected of him by quickly acclimatizing to Formula 3 and the team to fight at the forefront.

“Thanks to his natural speed, his work with the engineers and his desire to do well, he progressed throughout the season and is now ready to take the next logical step up to Formula 2.

“Christian has all the qualities to follow in the footsteps of the drivers who have written the most beautiful pages in the history books of ART Grand Prix ever since they moved into the F1 feeder series.”