Prema announces second Ferrari junior for F3 squad
Ferrari Driver Academy new comer Robert Shwartzman will compete in the European Formula 3 championship with Prema Powerteam next season.
Shwartzman, who only joined the Ferrari junior squad in October, has already begun testing the Prema-prepared Formula 3 car.
“We are delighted to have Robert with us in 2018,” said team principal Rene Rosin.
“He impressed in testing and I think he has the right potential for a successful campaign.
“He is not only skilled but also, despite his young age, remarkably experienced.
“He will be an extremely valuable resource for the team in the challenging 2018 season and we are sure that, with the help of the Ferrari Driver Academy, he will have the chance to make further steps forward.”
Shwartzman’s Formula 3 debut comes after finishing third in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 this season. He took six wins on his way to third in the championship, behind Will Palmer and Sacha Fenestraz.
The 18-year-old has previously raced in the German and Italian Formula 4 championships.
“The step to the FIA Formula 3 European Championship will be key for my career and I’m sure that we will be a highly competitive all-around combination,” said Shwartzman.
“In addition, it will be a healthy environment to make further progress so I’m confident that we have all that it takes to perform and keep improving throughout the year.”
Shwartzman is the second FDA member to be announced for Prema’s 2018 team, with Marcus Armstrong already confirmed at the squad.