2022 F3 champion, Victor Martins will graudate to F2 for 2023 season with ART GP.
Martins’ move up to F2 comes after he won the 2022 F3 title by just five points from Trident’s Zane Maloney – following a fierce title battle involving multiple drivers – in which the Frenchman took Feature Race victories in Bahrain and Spain plus no pole positions.
Speaking about his decision to stay with ART GP as he steps up to F2, Martins commented: “The 2023 season will be exciting and motivating. After a successful year with ART Grand Prix, I was not considering taking the next step with any other team.”
Martins though has iterated that he is under no illusions of what to expect in F2 as he added: “I can’t wait to discover the Formula 2 championship, which is tough and competitive, with such a professional and experienced team.”
The Frenchman also drove for ART GP in F2’s three-day post-season test in Abu Dhabi in which he topped the final day in late November, of which he believed removed any “little doubts” that he had about adapting to the series as he felt “comfortable and confident” in the car.
On his targets for his rookie season in the category, Martins said: “My objective will therefore be to do everything possible to win the title in my first year. With ART Grand Prix, I have all the tools to have big ambitions.”
ART GP Team Principal, Sebastien Philippe added that the decision to retain Martins as he steps up to F2 “is a logical continuation” after a strong 2022 season in F3.
On Martins’ progress at ART GP, Philippe commented: “Victor made enormous progress in 2022 and has proven that in both difficult personal and sporting conditions, he has the mental strength and the talent to achieve great things at the highest level of motorsport.”
Philippe also confirmed confidence that the F2 post-season test demonstrated how Martins has the “ability to adapt quickly and well to his new single-seater.”
On what Martins needs to do to fight for the title as a rookie, Philippe concluded: “His determination, his enthusiasm and his conquering spirit will be weapons in a championship where competition is fierce.”
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