Zhou Guanyu makes history as China's first F1 driver

(ECNS) -- History will be made with Zhou Guanyu set to become China's first full-time Formula One (F1) driver after Alfa Romeo signed the 22-year-old Tuesday.

Zhou will partner with experienced Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas, who also joined Alfa Romeo after five seasons at Mercedes.

A front-runner in Formula Two (F2), Zhou has three F2 wins this season and is second in the F2 standings with two rounds to go next month.

"I feel well prepared for the immense challenge of Formula 1," says Zhou, "and I want to thank Alfa Romeo for giving me the chance."

"The decision is not only based on the fact he is Chinese, but will be a mega-push for the company, for sponsors and also for F1 in general," said Frédéric Vasseur, CEO of Alfa Romeo, which ranks ninth out of 10 in constructor standings.

Next spring, Zhou will not only aim for a win, but also the development of Chinese motorsport.