F3 Champion Victor Martins graduates to Formula 2 with ART Grand Prix

Fresh from his title success in 2022, Victor Martins will make the step up to Formula 2 in 2023 with ART Grand Prix. The Frenchman remains with the team he claimed the Championship with in F3, completing the French squad’s line-up alongside Théo Pourchaire.

Martins won two races and claimed four more podiums on the way to the F3 Championship in ’22, holding off six other drivers in the final round at Monza to claim the crown. It was the second title he has taken with the ART team after winning the Formula Renault Eurocup series back in 2020 together.

Of his signing, Martins said that he was raring to get started with the next step in his career, adding that a fight for the title was his target in year one of F2.

“The 2023 season will be exciting and motivating. After a successful year with ART Grand Prix, I was not considering taking the next step with any other team. I can't wait to discover the Formula 2 championship, which is tough and competitive, with such a professional and experienced team. The tests made it possible to remove what little doubts I might have had about my adaptation because I felt comfortable and confident. My objective will therefore be to do everything possible to win the title in my first year. With ART Grand Prix, I have all the tools to have big ambitions.”

ART Team Principal Sébastien Philippe added that the arrival of Martins in the team made perfect sense after the success that was the 2022 F3 campaign. He also praised the Frenchman’s mental fortitude as well as his driving capabilities having won out in a tough Championship fight.

“Taking up the challenge of Formula 2 in 2023 with Victor is a logical continuation after an intense year which concluded with the first ART Grand Prix title in the modern era of F3. Victor made enormous progress in 2022 and has proven that in both difficult personal and sporting conditions, he has the mental strength and the talent to achieve great things at the highest level of motorsport. The Abu Dhabi tests confirmed his ability to adapt quickly and well to his new single-seater. His determination, his enthusiasm and his conquering spirit will be weapons in a championship where competition is fierce.”

Martins is the 10th driver from the 2022 F3 grid to graduate up to Formula 2 for 2023.