Hiyu Yamakoshi to race with Van Amersfoort Racing in Baku

Van Amersfoort Racing has confirmed that Hiyu Yamakoshi will step up to FIA Formula 2 and drive for the team in Baku in place of Nico Varrone.

The Japanese driver competed in FIA Formula 3 this season with the Dutch outfit, securing a top 10 finish in the Drivers’ Championship, with three podiums and a pole position en route to ninth in the Standings.

Yamakoshi will now be gearing up to take on the Baku City Circuit in just over a weeks’ time, a prospect he says he is very much looking forward to.

“I’m very happy to have this opportunity to make my Formula 2 debut with VAR. I’ve been with the team since F4, so stepping into F2 together makes this a very special moment. I’m looking forward to learning as much as possible throughout the weekend, working with the team and making the most of the experience.”

Van Amersfoort Team Principal Brad Joyce added: “We’re pleased to give Hiyu the opportunity to make his Formula 2 debut in Baku. He has made strong progress this season and has shown his pace in F3, with several strong results throughout his rookie campaign. Having worked with Hiyu for three years, we know his approach and his ability to learn. This will be a new challenge for him, and we’re looking forward to working with him throughout the weekend.

“At the same time, we would like to thank Nico for his work with the team this season. He has been a valued member of our F2 line-up, and we have really enjoyed having him as part of the team. Coming from sports car racing, the move to Formula 2 was a significant change, and Nico adapted very well to the demands of single-seater racing. He took on that challenge and showed that he could adapt to Formula 2 in a very short period of time. We wish him all the best for the next steps in his career.”