» Formula 2: Lundgaard joins Trident for Abu Dhabi finale

Christian Lundgaard will make his FIA Formula 2 Championship debut at the season-ending Abu Dhabi round with the Trident team in place of Ralph Boschung.

The Danish teenager finished runner-up as a rookie in last year’s Formula Renault Eurocup and joined the powerhouse ART Grand Prix team in the new FIA Formula 3 Championship this year.

An infringement under Virtual Safety Car conditions cost the Renault academy driver a victory on debut at Barcelona, but he later redeemed himself with a win at the Hungaroring en route to finishing sixth in the Drivers’ Championship standings.

“I’m proud and excited to make my Formula 2 debut,” said Lundgaard. “I would like to thank Renault Sport Academy, Trident and my partners for their faith in me.

“Stepping into a championship at the last round is going to be a big challenge, but it will be great experience.

“F2 is a big step up, the racing is always hard-fought and you need to think strategically on how to turn the races to your advantage – I’m looking forward to getting started and seeing what we can do.”

“We are very happy to welcome a talented young driver like Christian Lundgaard, as he is proving to be one of the most interesting prospects in motorsport,” Trident boss Giacomo Ricci added.

“This year, as a rookie, Christian delivered a great season in the FIA Formula 3 Championship. I was impressed by his skills every time I saw him on track.

“For Team Trident, to have Christian on board represents an excellent opportunity to take home good results and contribute to his growth. We will do our best to support him on his Formula 2 debut, on a track on which he has never raced on.”

Lundgaard will race alongside Giuliano Alesi at the Yas Marina Circuit, with the French Ferrari junior driver having driven for the Trident team all season.

Boschung, whose difficulties securing enough funding to keep his seat have been well-documented, will once again be sidelined – the Swiss driver stood aside for Ryan Tveter and Dorian Boccolacci at the Red Bull Ring and Silverstone rounds respectively.

Image via FIA Formula 3 Championship