Gunther completes Arden’s all-rookie F2 line-up
Maximilian Gunther will make his Formula 2 debut with Arden International, partnering Honda junior and fellow Formula 3 European championship graduate Nirei Fukuzumi.
Gunther has spent the last three years in Euro F3, scoring 31 podiums including 10 wins, with a best result of second place in the drivers’ championship in 2016.
The Mercedes DTM junior tested with Racing Engineering in F2’s post-season test, but the Spanish outfit withdrew from the series to focus on the European Le Mans Series.
“I’m absolutely ready to take the next step and can’t wait to go up against the world’s best young drivers,” Gunther said.
“I know that this move will be successful with the backing of Arden’s experienced team.”
Gunther and Fukuzumi are the only confirmed all-rookie line-up on the grid so far.
“We are delighted to welcome Maxi into the team. He has been extremely competitive and consistent in European FIA Formula 3 over the past number of years,” said team manager Kenny Kirwan.
“Together with Nirei, we believe that we will start the season with one of the strongest and most consistent rookie driver pairings in the FIA Formula 2 Championship.”
Seven seats are yet to be announced with the new-spec 2018 car’s shakedown taking place on Wednesday at Magny-Cours.
DAMS is expected to confirm Nicholas Latifi and Alexander Albon and Trident should be running Haas Formula 1 juniors Arjun Maini and Santino Ferrucci.
The identity of MP Motorsport’s drivers is unknown as is Luca Ghiotto’s team-mate at Campos.