Ghiotto sticks in F2 in Hitech switch alongside Mazepin

Luca Ghiotto will contest his fifth consecutive season in the Formula 1 feeder class as he moves to Hitech Grand Prix alongside Nikita Mazepin.

The Italian driver had been set to leave single-seater racing at the end of 2019 after finishing in third place in the F2 drivers’ championship, but has reversed his decision to join Hitech ahead of the British team’s maiden campaign in the series.

Ghiotto, who made his debut in the championship in 2016 under its former guise the GP2 Series, will be one of the most experienced hands on this year’s F2 grid and will also be considered a title contender as the highest-ranked driver in the series following 2019 champion Nyck de Vries’s move into Formula E and runner-up Nicholas Latifi’s graduation into F1.

“I’m ready for this next challenge that lies ahead in the upcoming FIA Formula 2 Championship,” Ghiotto said.

“I’m looking forward to getting back behind the wheel in a few weeks. I would like to thank Hitech for giving me the opportunity to join the squad on their debut in the championship. I have my sights set on a strong season with the British-based squad.”

Mazepin joins Ghiotto at Hitech for 2020 following his move from ART Grand Prix. The Russian made his F2 debut last year with a handful of points finishes on his way to 18^th in the drivers’ standings.

“I am really happy to race with Hitech as they embark on their first season in the FIA F2 Championship,” Mazepin said. “It feels great to compete in Formula 2 for another season.

“I am very much looking forward to the challenge and it will undoubtedly be exciting, given the new car updates and 18-inch wheels this year.”