Edoardo Piscopo joined the Formula 2 field for the first pre-season test at Snetterton this week.
The 21-year-old finished runner-up in the Italian F3 championship last season and became the latest addition to the F2 grid, taking the place of Jens Hoing on the series' entry list.
"I'm really glad to be here," said Piscopo. "It's a pleasure and honor to race in Formula 2. I really believe this will be a great championship and I cannot wait for the season to start."
Piscopo was also impressed with the feel of the Williams-designed car in his first test.
"The level of competition is above my expectations," he said. "It is really high, but that is exactly how F2 should be. I think one thousandths of a second can really make a difference and the fight for pole position is going to be really tough at every race.
"The car feels really fast and it has good downforce levels. It is fun to drive and you really feel the turbo going down the straight - it's really powerful. It is a demanding car and it will be a great experience and good fun. The power boost is definitely going to help with overtaking also so I think there will be some good racing."