Vautier to make F2 debut in Spain

The 20-year-old Frenchman will race Piscopo's car as its usual occupant will be competing in the GP2 Asia races in Abu Dhabi instead.

"This is a very good opportunity for me," Vautier said. "I'm hoping to race in Formula 2 next year, so this is a great chance to learn the car and get an idea of how the championship works and how competitive I can be.

"I'm not setting myself any targets, I'm just focusing on doing my best, learning the car and improving lap by lap. I've adapted to different cars in the past but the F2 field is very strong, so I'm not going to set any precise objectives."

Vautier, who won six races on his way to fourth place in the Formula Palmer Audi Championship this season, will have his first taste of F2 in the Barcelona test on Monday.

Formula 2 chief executive Jonathan Palmer said that Vauiter, who was a front-runner in Formula Renault WEC last year, would be a welcome addition to the championship.

"Tristan has really impressed me in FPA this season with his speed, racecraft and attitude, and could easily have won the title," Palmer said.

"He knows F2 will be tough but I have no doubt he will do a very good job, particularly with a test day at Barcelona in preparation."