Russian Time announces Markelov and Makino for 2018 F2

Defending teams’ champion Russian Time will field a line-up consisting of Artem Markelov and Honda protege Tadasuke Makino for the 2018 Formula 2 season. 

Markelov claimed five race victories in 2017 to finish as runner-up in the drivers’ standings to F1-bound Charles Leclerc, as Russian Time sealed the teams’ championship.

The 23-year-old Russian will be joined at the team by 20-year-old Japanese racer Makino, who graduates from the European Formula 3 Championship to fill the seat vacated by Italian Luca Ghiotto, who has switched to Campos for the 2018 campaign.

“We had a strong season in 2017 when I won five times and finished second to Charles Leclerc in the championship, so it would be nice to go one better!” Markelov said.

Makino, who took one podium finish in his rookie F3 campaign with Hitech GP, added: “I started karting at five and always had a dream to race in motor sport’s top category. I am now another step closer to that.

"I’m really looking forward to racing with last year’s champion team, Russian Time. Thank-you to all the fans and everyone who has supported me. I’m hoping to meet everyone's expectations!”

Russian Time confirmed on Thursday that it would be returning to defend its title in the series, as one of 10 teams included on the official F2 entry list for the upcoming season.