Alexander Albon moves into GP2 Series with ART Grand Prix
ART Grand Prix has completed its 2017 GP2 Series line-up by announcing Alexander Albon's long-anticipated promotion from its GP3 team
The 20-year-old will partner Honda junior Nobuharu Matsushita at ART.
Anglo-Thai racer Albon was runner-up to team-mate Charles Leclerc in GP3 last year, taking the title fight down to the final round after moving into the series from European Formula 3.
"I am really excited to be working with ART Grand Prix for a second year," said Albon, a McLaren Autosport BRDC Award finalist in 2014.
"I learnt a huge amount last year and we have become one big close family.
"Moving up to the GP2 series is an important step in anyone's career and I am extremely fortunate to be with a top team who already understand me.
"There's a lot to learn coming from GP3, and the experience and method of working at ART Grand Prix is the reason they have won so many titles."
Albon takes the place of Renault Formula 1 reserve Sergey Sirotkin at ART, becoming the fifth rookie officially confirmed for the campaign.
He has already tested the team's GP2 car following the end of the 2016 season.
"In GP3 in 2016, Alex exceeded all of ART Grand Prix's expectations by integrating himself instantly into the company and fighting for pole position and victories from the first race weekend of the season," said team boss Sebastien Philippe.
"He didn't need a period of adaptation to become one of the best drivers in the category and he didn't stop progressing throughout the year.
"He missed the title by very little and it was through no fault of his own, either sporting or personal, why he didn't clinch it.
"Alex soon had all the makings of a GP2 driver at ART Grand Prix and we are delighted to continue our collaboration for another year."
2017 GP2 LINE-UP SO FAR
Prema: Charles Leclerc, Antonio Fuoco
Racing Engineering: Gustav Malja, Louis Deletraz
Russian Time: Luca Ghiotto, Artem Markelov
ART Grand Prix: Nobuharu Matsushita, Alexander Albon
DAMS: Oliver Rowland, Nicholas Latifi
MP Motorsport: Sergio Sette Camara, Jordan King
Arden: Norman Nato, Sean Gelael
Yet to announce drivers: Campos, Trident, Rapax
Russian Time to run Ghiotto and Markelov in 2017 GP2 Series
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