Jack Aitken says he expects to be among the frontrunners in Formula 2 from the outset, after securing graduation to the series with ART Grand Prix.
Aitken, who has retained backing from Renault for a third year, finished runner-up to team-mate and Mercedes protégé George Russell in GP3 last season, his second campaign in the category.
Aitken conducted post-season testing with ART and is optimistic of being among the lead group when the championship, complete with its new F2/18 package, begins in April.
“I’d like to be on the pace straight away so that means when everything falls into place we will be challenging for outright pole positions and victories,” he said.
“A bit of experience, especially at the level of Formula 2, does help so it will be a challenge to find some consistency and learn about the tyres and the new car.
“I will be aiming to keep scoring points and chip away at podiums and wins here and there. I’d like to be finishing in the top five in what will be a strong grid.”
Aitken, who received his first Formula 1 experience during a private test in Renault’s 2012-spec car last year, says the continued backing of the French manufacturer acts as a boost.
“It’s always nice to continue and I think 2018 will be very exciting as I’m moving up to Formula 2 and taking another step towards Formula 1, which is the ultimate goal,” he said.
“I’m happy as always and it’s nice to have settled in at Enstone after a couple of years.
“To be here for 2018 means a lot and I’m looking forward to the start of the season.”
Aitken is set to be joined at ART this season by Russell.
