Red Bull junior Juri Vips will make his FIA Formula 2 debut at Spa Francorchamps after being called-up by DAMS to replace its injured driver Sean Gelael.
The team have confirmed that the Estonian racer will compete alongside regular driver Dan Ticktum at the next three events at Spa Francorchamps, Monza and Mugello.
Gelael suffered a broken veterbra during the final lap of last Saturday’s feature race in Barcelona when his car landed on a sausage kerb following contact with Jack Aitken’s Campos.
Gelael announced on his Instagram page earlier this week that the injury would keep him out of action for a minimum of six weeks, meaning he is also a doubt for the round at Sochi at the end of September.
Vips impressed in FIA Formula 3 last year, finishing fourth in the championship with three race wins behind 2020 Formula 2 regulars Robert Shwartzman, Marcus Armstrong and Jehan Daruvala, and also finished runner-up in the 2019 Macau GP.
Vips also finished fourth in the FIA Formula 3 Euroseries in 2018, where he was team-mate to Ticktum at Motopark.
He was due to take part in the Japanese Super Formula series this year, but was unable to gain entry to the country due to COVID-19 restrictions. Vips has instead been competing in the Formula Regional European Championship for KIC Motorsport, which includes a round at Paul Ricard this weekend.
“I’m very thankful and happy for the opportunity that DAMS has given me,” said Vips. “I know it’s going to be really difficult to just jump in with more than half the F2 season already completed, but I will do everything I can to give the team as strong as a result as they deserve.
“I’m also looking forward to working alongside Dan, who I’m sure will help me get up to speed, and we will aim to get good points for the team.”
“It’s always difficult for a team to have to change a driver during the season, especially in the way it’s happened,” team owners Gregory and Olivier Driot added. “Sean is very well integrated and close to every member of DAMS, so this hits us hard.
“Nevertheless, we have to push on and ensure Dan has a good team-mate for the upcoming races. We have the pleasure to bring on board Juri Vips, who’s a very talented driver and has showed his pace in junior categories.”
Vips will get his first taste of F2 machinery for DAMS during next Friday’s free practice session at Spa.
Feature image credit: fiaformula2.com
