Ghiotto won a season-best five races in GP3 in 2015, but eventually came up eight points short of champion Esteban Ocon.

The Italian, who had also scored race wins in Formula Abarth and two-litre Renault categories Eurocup and Alps, tested with Trident, Racing Engineering and Rapax in the GP2 post-season.

"I was approached by a lot of manufacturers in touring cars and sportscars [for 2016], I had some attractive offers from works teams, but my dream is to race in Formula 1," Ghiotto told Motorsport.com.

“The agreement for GP2 was reached three days ago, we had to make a big effort for it considering I do not come from a rich family.

"After a long winter, we found a team that believes in me, and is making big sacrifices for me to be able to race."

The Italian has played down expectations for his first foray into GP2, point out the series' infamously steep learning curve.

"I think you have to be realistic: the GP2 championship, as a rookie, is the most difficult championship that exists right now," he said.

"Not even Stoffel Vandoorne managed to win the title on his debut.

“So I think the main goal is to finish in the top five, and I think that’s an achievable goal and a good launchpad for a title challenge in my second season of GP2."

Ghiotto's Trident squad was spearheaded by Raffaele Marciello last season, and finished the season seventh in the teams' standings.

Interview by Marco di Marco

2016 GP2 line-up so far: