ART Grand Prix have confirmed that Japanese driver Nobuharu Matsushita will join the team in GP2 Series and partner Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne for the 2015 season.
The 21 year-old already, who is backed by Honda, already has a vast amount of single seater experience before arriving in GP2.
In 2014 the Japanese driver became Formula 3 Japan champion, securing 6 wins, 9 podiums and 5 pole positions in an impressive season.
Matsushita was also crowned champion in Formula Challenge Japan in 2012. On his way to the title he took 5 wins and 10 podium finishes.
The youngster has already tested for ART in 2014 in Abu Dhabi. He impressed the team with his outright talent and finesse in the car.
Over two days of testing Matsushita completed 411km and finished close to the top ten on his debut outing in a GP2 car.
“I would like to thank ART Grand Prix for giving me the opportunity to race in GP2,” said an elated Matsushita.
“I am honored to be a part of ART, which is one of the most prestigious teams in young drivers’ promotion.
“This is a big challenge for myself but I am determined to do my best as GP2 is the best way to race in F1, which is my dream since childhood.
“I would like to express my thankfulness to Honda who supports my challenge, my fans, friends and family.”
Team Manager Sebastien Philippe was extremely excited by his new arrival and after what the youngster has already achieved Philippe expects great things.
“Nobuharu has a lot of experience in motorsport and his talent is a certainty just from reading his resume,” said Philippe.
“He has no European culture, but he quickly intergrated himself into the team at the Abu Dhabi tests. To finish in the top ten on his first day in GP2 was a remarkable performance.
“Nobuharu will have many new things to discover and the start of the season will be marked by a learning phase for him, but ART has full confidence in his qualities and in the team’s experience to help Nobuharu integrate very quickly into the discipline.
“With Stoffel Vandoorne by his side, he also has the ideal teammate.”