GP3 runner-up Albon confirmed for GP2 2017 promotion

Albon, 20, will partner Honda junior Nobuharu Matsushita at ART Grand Prix in his rookie season.

The Anglo-Thai racer joined French outfit ART for a GP3 campaign last year and finished runner-up to teammate Charles Leclerc, bagging a field-high four wins.

He was affiliated in the past with the Red Bull Junior Team and the Lotus F1 junior programme, and has raced in various Formula Renault 2.0 categories and European F3.

"I am really excited to be working with ART Grand Prix for a second year," Albon said. "I learned 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 F1 reserve Sergey Sirotkin at ART, becoming the fifth rookie officially confirmed for the coming GP2 campaign.

"In GP3 in 2016, Alex exceeded all of ART Grand Prix’ 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 driver line-up so far: