F2 – Russian Time hires Markelov and Makino

Once announced as retired from the Formula 2 after 5 years in the category, Russian Time finally announced yesterday that it would defend its title for the 2018 season. We now know which drivers will defend the colors of the Russian team.

For the fifth year in a row, Artem Markelov will be there. A member of the team since Svetlana Strelnikova took over the reins in 2014, the young Russian driver has experienced a slow rise to being the vice-champion of Charles Leclerc last year. “ We had a good season last year with 5 wins and finishing just behind Leclerc in the championship, comments Markelov, so I hope we can do even better this year. »

His experience will be an asset since he will be associated with the rookie Tadasuke Makino. The Japanese, protégé of Honda, has just arrived from the European championship of F3 with Hitech GP where he only got on the podium once last year and finished 15^e championship place after an injury during the season. “ As champions, we look forward to racing with the No. 1 and 2 in our cars in 2018, adds Team Principal Strelnikova. We expect another very close championship. »