British single-seater racer Luciano Bacheta has switched to the FIA Formula Two Championship after leaving the GP3 Series. He will make his debut in the series at the Red Bull Ring in Austria this weekend.
The 21-year-old, who finished as runner-up in the Formula Renault Eurocup last year, has been racing in GP3 this year with Mucke Motorsport. He scored a best result of fifth at Silverstone in a rain-hit race, his only points finish to date.
Bacheta's seat at the German team will be taken by Daniel Mancinelli for the remaining two rounds at Spa and Monza, after the Italian confirmed his move from Italian F3 a couple of weeks ago.
“I'm really looking forward to racing in F2 in Austria and although I've never competed at the track before, neither have most of the F2 field so I think it's a good place for me to make my debut,” said Bacheta.
“Having tested the car before I now feel comfortable with its power and acceleration, although it did come as a bit of a surprise when I first drove it. My goal is simply to do the best job I can and hopefully get in the top 10.”
Series boss Jonathan Palmer said: “We're delighted to be welcoming Luciano to Formula Two. He's someone we've known and followed for many years and has impressed me since his early days in T-Cars.
“During his first F2 test in Valencia last year he looked very impressive and was amongst the quickest drivers from the day. He also sampled the JPH1B car during the assessment process for the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award, so I expect he'll quickly rise to the big challenge of F2 and be amongst the front-runners from the very start.”
Bacheta will not be the only driver making his F2 debut this weekend, with Austrian Rene Binder making a one-off appearance at home.
