Viscaal secures Trident Formula 2 drive for the rest of 2021

Initially on a one-race deal with the team, Viscaal performed solidly in the season-opening Bahrain weekend as he narrowly missed out on points finishes in all three races.

The 21-year-old impressed Trident during the mid-season test in Barcelona over the weekend, ending the final day eighth fastest overall, 0.8s off the pace set by Felipe Drugovich.

The Dutchman spent two seasons in Formula 3 before making the move up to F2, securing his maiden win at Silverstone in the sprint race last year.

Reflecting on the announcement, Viscaal said: "I’m very happy to join Trident for the rest of the season. It will be an absolute incredible challenge. I’m looking forward to doing it with the great Trident team.

"I think we’ve already made a lot of progress, testing and racing in Bahrain and I’m looking forward to unlock our potential, ensure what we are capable of and in general the adventure."

Trident team manager Giacomo Ricci added: “Trident Motorsport extremely pleased to announce that Bent Viscaal will compete with the team in the remaining seven rounds of the FIA Formula 2 Championship.

"At his first F2 foray in Bahrain, he quickly merged with our team, which provided him with the maximum possible support while learning the ropes in the series, and became increasingly competitive. I am sure that, by joining forces with such a quick and determined racer, we will do an excellent job and achieve remarkable results."

The F2 season resumes on May 27 as it tackles the streets of Monaco.

Guanyu Zhou leads the drivers’ standings on 41 points, 11 clear of Liam Lawson.

Carlin holds a four-point lead over UNI-Virtuosi Racing in the teams’ standings.