Formula V8 3.5 vice-champion Louis Deletraz will partner Gustav Malja at Racing Engineering during the 2017 GP2 season.
The Switzerland-born racer narrowly missed out on the FV8 3.5 title this season, overpowered by Tom Dillmann at the final race of the season in Catalunya.
With Formula V8 over at the start of November, he joined Carlin for the final two races of the 2016 GP2 campaign in Abu Dhabi, in place of Marvin Kirchhoefer.
Post-season testing soon followed, and allowed Deletraz his first opportunity to step into Racing Engineering machinery. Malja also tested for the team, and it was announced last week that he would join the Spanish outfit, making the switch from Rapax.
![Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri [McLaren] celebrate their 1-2 finish at the 2025 F1 Austrian GP](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lando-Norris-Oscar-Piastri-McLaren-F1-2025-1-120x86.webp)
"It's the natural next step in my career," Deletraz said in a press release.
"It's the final category before reaching Formula 1, and getting to F1 is my primary goal. Racing Engineering are a good team and have produced some top results during the last five years.
"I'll have much to learn during the next season, so it's very important to gave a good team behind you so they can help you as a driver and work well together."
Deletraz impressed over his three days of testing with the team at Yas Marina Circuit, finishing second-fastest in the morning session on the final day. He says the preparation will be key to success in the season ahead.
"To get the deal sorted before the 2017 season even begins is excellent. We worked very well together during the three-day test in Abu Dhabi, so I really think we can get some good results in 2017."
His father, Jean-Denis Deletraz, participated in three Formula 1 Grands Prix in the nineties. He has the unique distinction of taking part in Larrousse's final ever race at the Australian Grand Prix in 1994, before completing a two-race stint with Pacific in 1995.
![Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri [McLaren] celebrate their 1-2 finish at the 2025 F1 Austrian GP](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Lando-Norris-Oscar-Piastri-McLaren-F1-2025-1-350x250.webp)
