The rookie season of 2018 went so well for Gianluca Petecof (16, Brazil) that he is now aiming for the very top. The young Brazilian has been assigned the fourth cockpit at Prema Powerteam and will compete for the second year in a row with the Italian junior outfit. Petecof has a busy year ahead of him, contesting not only the full campaign of the German junior series but also the parallel Italian competition. The fifth ADAC Formula 4 season commences on the weekend of 26th - 28th April at Oschersleben.

With the backing of Ferrari and the Shell Driver Academy, Petecof hopes to build on a successful rookie campaign and is convinced that 2019 is going to be a very significant year in his development: "What I experienced in my first season was incredible. Never before in my career have I learnt as much as I did with Prema last year. I could not be happier, and I’m delighted to be challenging for the title."

The Brazilian finished the 2018 ADAC Formula 4 as third-best rookie and tenth in the overall standings. The high point of his season came in the third race when he made a maiden podium appearance for a P2 finish at the Nürburgring. His first race win came in the closing fixture of the Italian season at Mugello.

Prema team principal Angelo Rosin is also convinced that Petecof will continue on his upward curve in 2019: "Gianluca impressed us from the very first day with his really positive attitude and made great progress in 2018. We look forward to supporting him in this very important year of his career."