Following Nico Varrone’s announcement of his departure from the Van Amersfoort team after deciding to do what’s best for his future, Van Amersfoort Racing have announced 19-year old Hiyu Yamakoshi to replace him in Azerbaijan.
The Argentine had a tricky return to single seaters after spending a few years in endurance following success in British F3 in 2019 and 2020.
Winning the World Endurance Championship and 24 Hours of Le Mans in the LMGTE Am class, Varonne went on to win Le Mans the following year, before making the switch to Formula 2.
Partnering five-time podium sitter Rafael Villagomez, Varrone took three points finishes across his brief F2 career, leaving him 20th in the drivers’ championship with 15 points as we go into the final races of the season.
A career best finish of fourth in the Miami Sprint Race saw him narrowly miss out on the podium by just three seconds, and was unfortunately the final time a top-three finish was in sight for the Argentine.
Regarding his premature end to the season, Varrone said:
“It wasn’t an easy decision, but we believe it’s the right path forward to consider the next stage of my career.
“A heartfelt thank you to the entire team, our sponsors and collaborators, and especially to all of you who have always been there, supporting and encouraging us, even in the most challenging times.”
Likewise, VAR thanked him for this time with the team, and wished him the best of luck with his future, which currently remains unconfirmed, though a complete focus on endurance racing is likely.
As Varrone steps away, 19 year old Hiyu Yamakoshi steps into his place for the 12th round of the series, continuing with VAR after success together in Italian F4, Formula Regional European Championship and Formula 3 earlier this year.
The Japanese driver finished ninth in the series overall, with 71 points and one podium to his name, that he acquired in the Monza Sprint Race after starting sixth.
Only being confirmed for the Baku round so far, Yamakoshi has everything to prove to try set himself up for a Formula 2 future next year and impress the 11-team paddock.
Image: Formula Motorsport Limited via Getty Images
