Mercedes DTM junior Gunther seals 2018 F2 graduation with Arden
Mercedes DTM junior Maximilian Gunther will step up from the Formula 3 European championship to race in Formula 2 for Arden International in 2018
Gunther scored five wins and three pole positions on his way to third place in the 2017 Euro F3 standings, which was his third season in the third-tier category.
He joins Honda Formula 1 junior Nirei Fukuzumi at Arden and complete's its line-up for the 2018 season.
"I'm absolutely ready to take the next step and can't wait to go up against the world's best young drivers," said Gunther, who tested F2 machinery with Racing Engineering in Abu Dhabi last year.
"I know that this move will be successful with the backing of Arden's experienced team.
"Many thanks also to my partners and sponsors, who are supporting me as I progress." With Gunther and Fukuzumi, Arden is the second F2 team to opt for an all-rookie line-up for 2018.
ART Grand Prix will run Fukuzumi's GP3 team-mates Jack Aitken and George Russell.
Only the DAMS, MP Motorsport and Trident squads are yet to announce at least one driver for the upcoming season.
"We are delighted to welcome Maxi into the team," said Arden team manager, Kenny Kirwan.
"He has been extremely competitive and consistent in European FIA Formula 3 over the past number of years.
"Together with Nirei, we believe that we will start the season with one of the strongest and most consistent rookie driver pairings in the FIA Formula 2 Championship."
F2 is holding a shakedown event at the Magny-Cours circuit tomorrow, where the teams will be able to sample their new 2018 F2 machines for the first time.
2018 Formula 2 entry list
Russian Time: Artem Markelov, Tadasuke Makino
Prema Racing: Sean Gelael, Nyck de Vries
DAMS: TBA, TBA
ART Grand Prix: Jack Aitken, George Russell
MP Motorsport: TBA, TBA
Arden International: Nirei Fukuzumi, Maximilian Gunther
Campos Racing: Luca Ghiotto, TBA
Trident: TBA, TBA
Carlin: Lando Norris, Sergio Sette Camara
Charouz Racing System: Louis Deletraz, Antonio Fuoco
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