Zhou to remain with UNI-Virtuosi for 2020 F2 season

Guanyu Zhou will remain in FIA Formula 2 for a second campaign in 2020, with the Renault Formula 1 junior staying at the UNI-Virtuosi squad.

Zhou impressed during his maiden F2 campaign and claimed one pole position and five podium finishes on his way to finishing as the highest-placed rookie in seventh in the drivers’ championship.

The 20-year-old Chinese racer has been confirmed for a sophomore season in the championship, while he will also remain part of Renault’s Academy programme.

“I can’t wait for the 2020 season to start,” Zhou said. “I was really happy with how everything went last year as a rookie in Formula 2.

“There was a lot to learn as it was a new area of driving for me with a new team and with more races on the calendar. I think everything went pretty well.

“I did the best job I could with some things I know I can improve on. I’m also pleased to stay on the Renault programme and make use of their valuable support.”

As the highest-placed member of Renault’s driver academy following Jack Aitken’s graduation to third and reserve driver, Zhou hopes to use his learnings from his maiden F2 season to mount an ever stronger challenge in 2020.

“It’s good staying for another year with UNI-Virtuosi,” he added. “I know them well and they know me.

“My engineers know my style of driving and also which set-ups I like on the car so that will be beneficial this year.

“I also understand the Formula 2 car a lot better and the Pirelli tyres so I think that will help massively in my second year. I’m looking forward to the championship and trying my best for a top three finish.”

Fellow Renault Academy member Christian Lundgaard has also been retained and steps up to F2 with ART GP, while Max Fewtrell remains in FIA Formula 3 for a second season but will switch to Hitech.

Brazilian driver Caio Collet will contest a second season in the Formula Renault Eurocup, while Renault has signed two new recruits to its programme in the shape of Oscar Piastri and Hadrien David.

Piastri will contest FIA F3 with reigning champions Prema, while 15-year-old Frenchman David will compete in the F3 Eurocup during 2020.

Renault Academy director Mia Sharizman believes the French manufacturer’s latest roster of talent is its “strongest” in the last four years.

“We’ve struck a balance between experienced and rookie drivers and we believe we can compete for titles across all junior championships in which we’ve entered our members,” he said.

“As the years progress, we are moving closer to the point where we want to have an Academy driver in contention for the Formula 1 race seat. We remain hopeful that this year is a breakout year for this to happen.”