Photo: Photo: Al Staley/GP2 Series Media Service
Felipe Nasr will race in Formula 1 next season for Sauber, the Swiss team has announced.
The Brazilian, who currently sits second in the GP2 standings, will join Caterham refugee Marcus Ericsson in an all-new line-up at the Swiss squad.
Nasr made his single-seater debut in a Formula BMW race at the Brazilian Grand Prix six years ago, and won the European series the following year. He then spent two years in British F3, beating Kevin Magnussen to the title in 2011, before moving onto GP2.
He finished tenth in his rookie GP2 season, fourth in 2013 and this year has been the closest rival to champion Jolyon Palmer, taking four victories. He has also taken part in several F1 practice sessions with the Williams team.
He brings Banco do Brasil, a personal sponsor during his time in GP2, to Sauber.
?It is a very important step in my career to sign with the Sauber F1 Team for the 2015 Formula 1 World Championship,” said the 22-year-old.
“This is an unforgettable moment that I owe to all of those who have supported me – my family, my friends, my sponsors, my teams and my country. Today the dream has come true.
“Sauber was responsible for the arrival in F1 of great names such as Felipe Massa, Kimi Raikkonen, Robert Kubica and Sebastian Vettel. I am proud now to also be part of this racing family. I had a wonderful year at Williams Martini, where I learned a lot and prepared myself to be a race driver in Formula 1.?
Sauber team principal Monisha Kaltenborn said: ?We have been following Felipe?s career path for some time now, and he fully deserves his position in Formula 1 having had a very successful career in junior categories.
“We are happy that he will be driving for our team next year. This means that Brazil will have one more young and talented driver in the sport. Banco do Brasil has been an important partner for Felipe so far, and we are delighted that such a renowned company is continuing to support him during this important step. We look forward to this partnership.?