Karting driver Laurens Van Hoepen will step up to single-seater racing in 2022, as he joins Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine with ART Grand Prix team. The 16-year-old Dutchman has had a solid career, including a third position in 2021 in the FIA European Championship KZ2 category. 

Laurens took part in the off-season testing program with ART Grand Prix, which was held in Barcelona. Over the course of the two-day test, he demonstrated that he had everything needed to successfully launch himself into a car racing career. 

Laurens Van Hoepen: 
“I’m really looking forward to joining ART Grand Prix for my debut season in single-seaters. The team did an amazing job winning the drivers’ championship and finishing runner up in the teams’ championship last year. I know it’s a big step from karting to FRECA but during the pre-season tests, I instantly felt comfortable with the team and the car. This is a very competitive championship and the circuits in this series are fantastic. I can’t wait to get started and I’m sure that together with the team we can make it a successful year.” 

Sebastien Philippe: 
“Laurens made his single-seater debut with ART Grand Prix this winter and the team has been enthusiastic about his ability to learn so much from his interactions with the technical team. Helping talented young drivers rise through the ranks of motorsport is part of ART Grand Prix’s DNA and we are happy to welcome Laurens. We are confident that he will contribute to the company’s objectives.”