Luca Ghiotto has reversed his decision to leave the Formula 2 championship by signing up to compete for new entrant Hitech, alongside Nikita Mazepin.
Ghiotto, runner-up to Esteban Ocon in the 2015 GP3 Series, spent four years in GP2/F2, taking six victories and a best of third in last season’s championship.
Ghiotto regarded 2019 as his final campaign in the series and was set to switch to sportscars this year, having signed a deal to compete in GT3.
But on Friday it was confirmed that he will race for Hitech in this year’s championship, taking the seat that had previously been linked to ex-McLaren tester and 2019 DAMS driver Sergio Sette Camara.
Formula 3 race winners Hitech has stepped up to Formula 2 for 2020, expanding the number of teams to 11.
“I’m ready for this next challenge that lies ahead in the upcoming championship,” said Ghiotto, who has raced for Trident, Russian Time/UNI-Virtuosi and Campos in the category.
“I’m looking forward to getting back behind the wheel in a few weeks. I would like to thank Hitech for giving me the opportunity to join the squad on their debut in the championship.
“I have my sights set on a strong season with the British-based squad.”
It is not yet clear which programme Ghiotto will prioritise, given the clashing calendars between Formula 2 and the GT World Challenge Europe series.
Mazepin, the 2018 GP3 runner-up, has made the move across after spending his rookie Formula 2 campaign with ART Grand Prix in 2019.
Mazepin made regular Formula 1 test appearances with Force India across 2016 to 2018 and has previously raced for Hitech, in which father Dmitry is part of the ownership, in European Formula 3.
“I am really happy to race with Hitech as they embark on their first season in the championship,” Mazepin said. “It feels great to compete in Formula 2 for another season.
“I am very much looking forward to the challenge and it will undoubtedly be exciting, given the new car updates and 18-inch wheels this year.”
