Formula 3 Euro Series frontrunner Valtteri Bottas will compete at the Macau Grand Prix and Korea Super Prix with Prema Powerteam.
The Finn had originally planned to skip the end of season races as he was hoping to drive for Williams at the Formula 1 young driver test at Abu Dhabi, which takes place in the week running up to Macau. However, Williams have announced they will be running GP2 champion Pastor Maldonado, who is rumoured to have signed with the team for 2011, alongside Formula Two champion Dean Stoneman, as his prize for winning the series. Bottas has been the reserve driver for Williams in 2010, a role he will continue next year.
With Bottas' regular Formula 3 team ART Grand Prix not racing at either Macau or Korea, he has agreed to race for Prema. The Italian squad had already confirmed they would be running Spanish drivers Daniel Juncadella and Roberto Merhi.
Team Principal Angelo Rosin said: “With the arrival of Bottas, our assault on the 2010 Macau Grand Prix and Korea Super Prix has grown even more impressive. I’ve followed him as a rival in the Formula 3 Euro Series, and I can guarantee he’s been an extremely fast as well as fair opponent. We’re proud to have him with us.”
Bottas said that he was pleased to have the chance to drive for Prema. “I look forward to working with Prema as we competed against each other for the last two years,” he said.
“Their past experience will be a key factor to achieve a podium. From my side, I will give it all as I always do and will try with my team mates to bring a very strong result, not only to the team but also to Mercedes-Benz and HWA.”
Bottas finished fifth on his Macau debut for ART last year. This year he finished third in the Formula 3 Euro Series standings, and he also became the first driver to win the Zandvoort Masters event twice after repeating his 2009 victory.
