GP3 champion Anthoine Hubert seals F2 graduation with Arden for 2019

2018 GP3 Series champion Anthoine Hubert will step up to the FIA Formula 2 Championship this year with BWT Arden, as well as becoming a fully-fledged member of Renault's young driver academy.

Hubert, 22, was crowned the final GP3 champion last year ahead of the series' replacement by FIA Formula 3 in 2019, having spent the year affiliated to Renault.

The Frenchman will now move up to Formula 2 for the new season with BWT Arden, as well as being confirmed as a full Renault academy member on Wednesday.

"It’s great to be able to announce I will be stepping up my connection with Renault as an Academy Driver this season. I’m really happy and grateful to be entrusted with the role and I can’t wait to keep developing my racing career," Hubert said.

"I learnt a lot racing in GP3, and I will be looking to draw on that experience for Formula 2, which will be a big challenge. It’s a bigger car, there are more races – longer in length – with strategy to prepare as well.

"I know my ability and I look forward to using Renault’s support for a good year."

Arden team boss Garry Horner added: "We are extremely pleased with the news that Anthoine will join the team for his maiden FIA Formula 2 campaign. He is a driver that I have followed closely over the last number of years and I believe he will bring some strong performance to the team."