Joshua Duerksen will complete a switch from the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine series to Formula 2 with PHM Racing in 2024.
The Paraguayan driver is currently competing in his second season in FRECA, where he has recorded one podium in Spa-Francorchamps to sit 19th in the standings.
Duerksen had initially participated in the Formula 3 post-season test at Imola for the PHM squad, but he will skip the third-tier category and compete in F2 next season.
“I am very excited to announce that I will be stepping up to FIA F2 with PHM Racing!” Duerksen said. “It’s a big step in my career, and I can’t wait to start this new and great challenge! It’s a huge honour and privilege to be the first Paraguayan driver in history to represent my country in FIA F2.
“I am more than grateful to God, my family, my sponsors, my fans, and of course, PHM Racing for believing in me. Now, I am focused on preparing in the best possible way with PHM for the season. The new car and new circuits will make this year a challenging and exciting one.”
Duerksen commenced his single-seater racing career in 2019, winding up second in the Formula 4 UAE Championship. He then conducted campaigns in both German and Italian F4, classifying 11th and eighth respectively, before improving to sixth in the former at the second attempt.
Another crack at Italian F4 beckoned the following year, with Duerksen recording two victories and a podium to end up sixth again. Last season, the now 20-year-old progressed into FRECA, ending his rookie campaign down in 14th place.
PHM Racing Sporting Director Roland Rehfeld acknowledges that it’s a “massive step”, but says Duerksen “convinced us with his ‘hands-on’ attitude, working ethic and 100% dedication to his profession, which is essential to develop himself with the Team at the highest stage of Formula Racing below F1.”
Rehfeld added: “Joshua has more potential as he was able to show in 2023, but through Formula 4 and Formula Regional Europe and Middle East he delivered already great performances and results. I guess a whole country will support him as being the first Paraguayan Driver, who is competing at this level. He in particular and all his supporters and partners deserve this chance and we will prepare him as best as possible to be competitive from the beginning on.”
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