Formula V8 3.5 runner-up Louis Deletraz will make his GP2 debut at the season finale next weekend in Abu Dhabi, the Carlin team have confirmed.
The Swiss racer will replace Marvin Kirchhofer, teaming up with Sergio Canamasas for the race.
Deletraz, whose father Jean-Denis made three Formula 1 appearance with Larrousse and Pacific in the ’90s, is currently a Renault Sport Academy driver and won the Formula Renault 2.0 NEC championship in 2015 with nine victories.
Carlin described the race as a “weekend of learning” as the 19-year-old has never driven a GP2 car, raced at Abu Dhabi or used Pirelli tires.
“We’re pleased to have Louis on board for the final round of the season at Abu Dhabi,” commented racing director Trevor Carlin. “We’ve watched Louis over the course of the season and he has impressed us with his ability to be challenging for the Formula V8 3.5 title in only his rookie season.
“Abu Dhabi will be a learning curve for him and no doubt he will take on a lot from the experience of racing in the GP2 car but we’re excited to have him in the cockpit and look forward to working with him in Abu Dhabi.”
Deletraz added: “GP2 is the championship that I want to race in next season so it’s great that I have the opportunity to contest the final race of the season with Carlin. They are a very experienced team and have been successful in GP2 after finishing second in the 2014 championship. That’s something that will benefit me as I start to learn about a completely new racing formula.
“It’s going to be a big challenge at Yas Marina because I have no previous GP2 experience. I’ll be learning a new car, a different kind of tire, a new track and working with a new team. I’m definitely excited by the opportunity to make my GP2 debut and test myself in a new category. It will be interesting to see what the performance is like in Abu Dhabi.”