Daruvala joins Prema in FIA F3 for 2019

Jehan Daruvala has become the latest driver to join the grid for the inaugural FIA Formula 3 season in 2019 after being announced as Prema Racing's second driver on Thursday.

Daruvala, 20, has raced in FIA European F3 for the past two seasons, taking two race wins and a best championship finish of sixth, and made his GP3 Series debut at the category's final-ever round in Abu Dhabi last month.

The Indian racer will now link up with Prema Racing for the first season of FIA F3, which replaces GP3 on the Formula 1 support package from 2019. He will race alongside Ferrari junior Marcus Armstrong, with one more driver still to be announced.

"The new F3 series is going to be very exciting and a different experience for me. Driving on an F1 weekend, on Pirelli tyres and an expected grid of 30 drivers, is going to be fun and challenging," Daruvala said.

"I am extremely excited and proud to begin this journey with Prema and I am confident that we can achieve great results together. I would like to thank Prema for having the confidence in me and giving me the opportunity to be a part of this successful team."

Prema team boss Rene Rosin added: "Jehan is definitely a promising prospect. We have known and respected each other for a while now and we are happy that all the dots finally connected to start what we expect to be a great relationship.

"He always impressed when he had the right chance in the past, and our goal will be to put him in the right position to express his full potential. We are confident that he will make great progress while providing us with valuable insight heading into the challenging season ahead."