Fabio Gamberini will join the FIA Formula Two Championship field for this weekend's races at the Nurburgring.
The 18-year-old Brazilian has been racing in the European F3 Open this season, which is supporting F2 at five meetings in 2011. Last weekend he scored his maiden win in the series at Spa-Francorchamps, and he lies second overall in the standings having scored points in every race.
Gamberini raced in the British Formula Ford Championship in 2009, finishing third in the scholarship class. In 2010 he raced in Formula Renault UK with Mark Burdett Motorsport.
“I’m really excited about this weekend and I’m looking forward to racing in F2,” said Gamberini. “It will be my first time in an F2 car and also my first time at the Nurburgring so it will take a bit of getting used to and learning the feel of the car.
“The F2 car is also a lot quicker than anything else I’ve driven. My goals for the weekend would be to secure a top eight finish and if all goes well a full season in F2 could be a possible option for next year.”
Formula Two Series Director Jonathan Palmer added: “We’re delighted to welcome Fabio to F2 this weekend. Adapting to a 500bhp Formula Two car will clearly be a big step for him, but given his single-seater experience and impressive form in European F3 Open this year I’m sure he’ll be on the pace as the weekend progresses and could even challenge for points. It’s a fantastic opportunity for Fabio to see how he measures up against a really strong field of drivers in F2 this year.”
Gamberini will race the car driven by Tom Gladdis and Jon Lancaster earlier in the season. Lancaster replaced Gladdis for the second round of the season at Magny-Cours but then did not take part in the Spa weekend.
