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Hauger and Daruvala lead new-look PREMA Racing line-up for 2022
For the first time in four years, PREMA Racing will field an all-new line-up in Formula 2, with the Italian team announcing the promotion of Formula 3 champion Dennis Hauger and the capture of 2021 race-winner Jehan Daruvala.
PREMA led 18-year-old Hauger to the F3 title last season, with the Red Bull backed driver clinching nine podiums, including four wins, and three pole positions on his way to the crown.
Finishing 17th with Hitech Grand Prix in 2020, Hauger had initially struggled with the step up to F3 but ended his second season with 205 points, 26 ahead of vice-champion Jack Doohan.
“I’m delighted to continue with PREMA in 2022,” said Hauger, who was the 2019 Italian F4 champion. “We had a good year in 2021 with some amazing teamwork, and I really enjoyed it.
“I’m extremely happy that they keep believing in me, and I’m looking forward to carrying on the hard work we put in together this season as well.”
Fellow Red Bull junior Daruvala will return to PREMA after two seasons in F2 with Carlin, having previously competed for the Italians in the 2019 F3 championship. Challenging for the title, Daruvala ended that season third with two wins and a further five podiums.
Stepping up to F2 with Carlin, Daruvala took two podiums, including a win, in his rookie year, when he finished 12th. Two more wins followed in his sophomore season, as well as an additional three podiums, with him ending 2021 seventh in the standings.
“I’m really happy to be back at PREMA and continue to be part of the Red Bull Junior Team for the 2022 FIA F2 Championship,” said Daruvala. “We have worked together in the past and share a fantastic relationship.
“PREMA is a champion team and I can’t wait to get started and look forward to a successful F2 campaign."
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On the graduation of Hauger, Team Principal René Rosin commented: “We are delighted to continue the work we started with Dennis (Hauger) last year in F3, and that led to so many great results. Of course, being a rookie is not always straightforward.
“However, in the official postseason test, Dennis made consistent and impressive progress, and we are looking forward to a positive season together. We are also proud to work with the Red Bull Junior Team again, and hopefully, we will be able to add more chapters to our successful history together.”
Discussing the return of Daruvala, Rosin added: “We have had a great relationship with Jehan (Daruvala) when we raced together in FIA F3 and we have deep respect for his skills and work ethics. I think he fits our team very well and I'm looking forward to seeing how much progress he has made in the last couple of years.
“He performed impressively in post-season testing and he has a great deal of experience also in terms of race formats and procedures. Together with the Red Bull Junior program, we will provide him with all the support he needs to pursue his goals."