Prema signs Piastri to complete 2020 FIA F3 line-up

Prema Racing has signed Formula Renault Eurocup champion Oscar Piastri to complete its driver line-up for the 2020 FIA Formula 3 season.

Piastri, who has also been named as a full member of the Renault Formula 1 Driver Academy, joins Formula Regional European champion Frederik Vesti and Logan Sergeant in the reigning F3 teams’ champions line-up.

The 18-year-old Australian claimed seven victories, four podiums and five pole positions en route to securing the 2019 Formula Renault Eurocup crown at the second attempt, having previously finished runner-up in British F4 in 2017. He beat fellow Renault F1 Academy member Victor Martins to the title.

“I am very excited to join the Renault Sport Academy for 2020 and I can’t wait to get into the new season with Prema Racing in Formula 3.

“Many talented drivers have come through the Academy and there is a strong line-up this year, so I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can from the fellow members.

“It was hard work getting to this point in my career having won the Formula Renault Eurocup last year, but it was all worth it, and I’m extremely proud to now be part of this illustrious team and Academy and maximising their support.”

Piastri drove for Prema during the 2019 post-season test at Valencia following the conclusion of his title-winning Formula Renault Eurocup campaign.

Prema dominated FIA F3 last year and wrapped up the championship with four races to spare, while its 2019 roster of drivers locked out the top three positions in the drivers’ standings.

Prema team principal René Rosin added: "Oscar is a really interesting prospect for the team. He scored plenty of great results during his career so far and we are looking forward to his Formula 3 debut with great anticipation. We worked really hard over the winter to secure a competitive line-up for 2020 and I'm satisfied with how the team has come together.

"In addition, we welcome the collaboration with Renault and we are proud of the trust and regard of such an important manufacturer. This year, there will be some pretty big shoes to fill considering how 2019 went, but we will support our drivers at the highest level.”