Giuliano Alesi graduates to Formula 2

Trident have confirmed that Giuliano Alesi will step up to Formula 2 in 2019 with them. The partnership between the Ferrari Academy supported driver and the Italian team led to impressive results in the GP3 Series, where the Frenchman, son of Former Formula 1 driver Jean Alesi, scored four wins, eight podium finishes and a total of 200 points. The chemistry among the team-driver combination has never been better and is now evolving into the next challenge. The FIA Formula 2 Championship will be a key step in Alesi's approach to Formula 1.

During the post-season testing held last November at Yas Marina, Alesi quickly adapted to the different driving style required by the F2 car, and to the additional power provided.

Trident's team manager Giacomo Ricci commented: "Team Trident is delighted and proud to announce that Giuliano Alesi will represent the team's colors for the fourth consecutive season and will make the step to an important category like the FIA Formula 2 Championship. In the postseason test held in Abu Dhabi, Giuliano did an impressive and high-quality job for a rookie and we were surprised by how rapidly he adapted, taking an excellent sixth fastest lap time on the final day. The whole team is thrilled to have Giuliano back on board in 2019 and is convinced that his really clean driving style and his remarkable ability to manage tire degradation will allow him to excel in this hyper-competitive category."

Giuliano Alesi added: "I am proud to announce that I will move up to the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2019, entering my fourth consecutive season with Team Trident. I am delighted to continue working with them because they are like a second family to me and they have been beside me in every step I made in motorsport. We are going to work hard together during the winter and the goal is to be ready to deliver right from the opening round in Bahrain. I think that we have everything we need to keep bringing home valuable results with Team Trident and I'm excited for this new chapter in my career. See you on track in 2019!."