GB3 Championship runner-up John Bennett will compete in the final two rounds of the FIA Formula 2 Championship with Van Amersfoort Racing.
The British driver won three races and a total of 11 podiums with JHR Developments in this year's GB3 campaign, his third year of single-seater racing.
He pushed the title battle all the way to the final day of the season, and finished just 22 points away from eventual champion Louis Sharp.
Since the end of the season in September, Bennett delivered a strong showing in the official end of year FIA F3 tests with Van Amersfoort Racing, and now has the opportunity to step straight up to the main F1 feeder category with the same team in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, replacing Enzo Fittipaldi.
“Thank you so much to VAR for the trust they have put in me with this opportunity" Bennett said. "Earlier this year, I was able to take part in the F3 tests with VAR, and they went very well.
“The team and I feel that I am ready to take the next step in F2 and I can’t wait for the new challenge. This will be a big step up for myself, but I will be looking to learn as much as possible from these two rounds and achieve solid results with the team.”
Team Principal Brad Joyce added: “We’re excited to give John the opportunity to make his Formula 2 debut in the final two rounds of the season. His journey in motorsport reflects the talent and determination we value at VAR.
“John has shown impressive skill and maturity, particularly during the post-season F3 tests, where he quickly adapted to the car and demonstrated strong pace. This ability to adapt quickly combined with John’s professionalism has shown the team he’s ready for the challenge.
“We believe this move will be an important step in his development, and we’re proud to provide him with the platform to challenge himself at this level.”
When Bennett makes his debut, he'll become the eighth GB3 graduate to have raced in this year's FIA Formula 2 Championship.