New Ferrari Driver Academy recruit Gianluca Petecof is to contest both the Italian and German Formula 4 championships in his first season of car racing with Prema.

The Brazilian was signed to the FDA towards the end of 2017, stepping up from the Tony Kart squad that is affiliated to Ferrari.

He tested F4 machinery with Prema late last year and will now join compatriot, FDA stable-mate and second-year F4 driver Enzo Fittipaldi in taking on a dual programme in the category this year.

?2018 is set to be a big year for me since it will be my first in single seaters,” said the 15-year-old.

“I will be racing in Formula 4, and I’m excited about the new challenges of the season ahead.

“To race for the incredibly successful team that Prema is, and to be part of the Ferrari Driver Academy, representing the most successful and legendary brand in motorsport, is something that every young driver dreams.

“I’m looking forward to fighting at the front, and can’t wait to get everything started.”

Prema took drivers to both the Italian and ADAC F4 titles in 2017, with Ferrari protege Marcus Armstrong winning the former and coming a close second to team-mate Juri Vips in the latter.

“It is always exciting to welcome a young driver graduating straight from kart racing,” said Prema founder Angelo Rosin.

“Both the team and driver need huge commitment in search of mutual understanding, and by working professionally, there are great chances of improvement and success.

“Gianluca definitely has a lot of talent which is the most important thing, and with the support of Prema and the Ferrari Driver Academy, I?m sure that everything else will come naturally.”