South East Asian Formula 4 champion Alessandro Ghiretti will race in the German and Italian series this year with the Sauber-backed partnership between US Racing and Charouz, joining Theo Pourchaire and Roman Stanek in the team.

Ghiretti has been racing in the Asian F3 Winter Series with Hitech – currently sitting third in the standings – and has been due to contest the main series with the team.

?It?s going to be interesting to try a new Formula 4 championship,” he said.

“The car, tyres and tracks will be completely different to what I raced in Asia. But I?m excited for the new challenge.

“My goal is to adapt quickly and make a good job as I push for wins. Having a strong association with an F1 team is a good step at this stage of my career and I?m thankful for that.?

Czech driver Stanek steps up from karting, where he last year finished seventh in the CIK-FIA European Championship in the senior OK class.

?This is an important season for me as I move up from karting, but I?m pleased I will have the professional support of both Sauber and Charouz,” he said.

“My focus is on staying calm during the season and making the best results I can. I?m very happy to join the Sauber Junior Team in F4.?

French F4 junior champion Pourchaire already confirmed his plans to race for US in ADAC F4 last November.

“Joining the Sauber Junior Team programme in F4 is a dream chance,” he said.

“Sauber Motorsport has helped so many young drivers in the past and I hope I can follow in their footsteps.

“I’m excited to step up and test myself at a higher level. It won’t be easy and I will be racing against some good team-mates who are fast, but my objective is to work hard and try to win the championship.”

Sauber, which is running its Formula 1 team under the Alfa Romeo name this season, has established a Junior Team programme in partnership with Charouz, covering Formula 2, Formula 3 and F4.

Charouz last year tied up with front-running ADAC F4 squad US Racing – run by Ralf Schumacher and Gerhard Ungar – and took the title with Lirim Zendeli, who has now stepped up to FIA F3 with the team.

A fourth driver will be announced for the F4 project shortly.