Another Brazilian joins the ADAC Formula 4 line-up: the Italian Prema Powerteam have signed a second talented youngster from South America in the shape of Gianluca Petecof (15, Brazil). Like his fellow countryman and team-mate Enzo Fittipaldi (16, Brazil), Petecof is a protégé of the Ferrari Driver Academy and will compete in the 2018 German and Italian Formula 4 series. The teenager will make his German debut on the weekend of 13th - 15th April when the first three races of the 2018 campaign are contested at Motorsport Arena Oschersleben.

Born 14th November 2002 in São Paulo, Petecof first attracted attention as a karter in the CIK-FIA World Championship, finishing the 2016 season in fifth place and the 2017 season in sixth. The Brazilian is now about to take the next logical step towards a career in formula racing with his debut in a single-seater.

For the 15-year-old, 2018 will be a challenging year with plenty of new lessons to be learnt. His main target will be scoring points in the rookie championship. "2018 will be my first year in a single-seater and in Formula 4," says Petecof. "I'm looking forward to the challenges. Every young driver dreams of competing for a team as successful as Prema and being part of the Ferrari Driver Academy. I just can't wait to get started!"

Prema team principal Angelo Rosin is also happy with his new signing: "It's always exciting when a young driver comes straight from karting. Gianluca definitely has a lot of talent, and that's the most important thing. With the support of Prema and the Ferrari Driver Academy, I am sure that everything else will come naturally."