Ferrari academy driver Dino Beganovic will advance to Formula 2 with DAMS for the ultimate two races of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
The 20-year-old replaces Juan Manuel Correa, who returned to competition in 2021 after sustaining serious injuries in the identical accident at Spa Francorchamps in 2019 that killed Anthoine Hubert.
In a particularly competitive F3 campaign wherein 12 different drivers tasted victory – a number that didn’t include Leonardo Fornaroli, who became the primary champion and not using a victory – Beganovic won twice, taking first podium finishes within the Australian feature race and within the Belgian sprint for Prema.
Although seven zero results limited his championship potential, he remained in mathematical contention until the ultimate weekend at Monza, ultimately ending the 12 months in sixth place – a result comparable to his debut season.
Beganovic will join Luke Browning, Christian Mansell and Oliver Goethe in ending F3 and preparing for the ultimate rounds, however the announcement gives no indication that this partnership will last beyond two weekends.
“I'm looking forward to my Formula 2 debut with DAMS, which has a rich history and great motivation to achieve great results,” said Beganovic.
Dino Beganovic, Prema Racing, 1st position, solemnly raises the trophy
Photo: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
“It looks like a natural next step in my profession and I'm ready for the challenge in a particularly competitive championship.
“My goal ahead of these two races is to learn as much as possible and score points in my first F2 action in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.”
The decision will probably be a blow to Correa, who successfully returned to F2 after recovering from injuries, having initially been in a medically induced coma following the incident.
Resuming his racing profession, initially in F3, Correa has spent the last two seasons in F2, also racing LMP2 machines, after winning the European Le Mans Series final within the Algarve in 2022.
Juan Manuel Correa, Dams
Photo: Simon Galloway / Motorsport Images
However, the Ecuadorian American has had a difficult 12 months, although he returned to the rostrum for the primary time for the reason that Spa disaster within the Spanish feature race – an event that occurred five years ago since he last stood on the F2 podium alongside Hubert.
Speaking in regards to the change, DAMS team owner Charles Pic said: “We are thrilled to have the chance to tackle a talent like Dino for the remaining of the season. It's a step up from Formula 3 and a really competitive championship, but we're confident that with the team's help, Dino will probably be competitive in the ultimate two rounds.
“He has a wonderful racing CV and we imagine he has what it takes to fight for strong points.
“I would also like to thank JM for his efforts this season. It was a pleasure working with him and we wish him all the best for the future.”
