Leclerc and Fuoco graduate to GP2 with Prema

Leclerc is congratulated by Ferrari F1 boss Arrivabene for winning GP3 title

Ferrari proteges Charles Leclerc and Antonio Fuoco will graduate to the GP2 Series in 2017 with reigning Teams' Champions Prema, the outfit confirmed on Monday.

Leclerc joined Ferrari's young driver scheme at the start of the season and clinched the GP3 Series crown at the Yas Marina Circuit, having also conducted F1 runs for Ferrari and Haas.

Fuoco claimed third in the standings in his second GP3 campaign and has also received outings in Ferrari's Formula 1 machinery in both official test and private sessions.

Prema, meanwhile, will enter 2017 as the defending Teams' Champions, and guided Pierre Gasly to the individual crown, with Antonio Giovinazzi taking second.

"I am delighted to line-up for the 2017 GP2 Series with Prema and with the Ferrari Driver Academy," said Leclerc.

"I can't wait to start preparations for this new and exciting challenge.

"After having completed my GP3 experience in the best possible way, I will continue to give my 100 per cent to keep bringing home positive results."

Fuoco previously raced for Prema in 2013/14, when he participated in Formula Renault 2.0 and European Formula 3.

"Entering the GP2 Series in 2017 will be particularly exciting, and doing it with an Italian team which is also the reigning champion will provide some additional motivations for me to do well," said Fuoco.

"I already raced with Prema in the past and I am aware of the high performance level of their cars, as confirmed by the outstanding results they got this season."

Despite fielding two rookies, Team Principal Rene Rosin is confident that Prema will remain at the sharp end of the GP2 grid.

"Being able to collaborate with two extremely talented youngsters like Charles and Antonio is highly motivating for the team; we will provide them with our best support, aiming for more outstanding achievements," he said.

"So after completing an extraordinary 2016, Prema is set for a new challenge involving two brilliant racing prospects.

"GP2 is renowned for being a tough fit for rookies, but we are convinced that Antonio and Charles have all what it takes to emerge in the short term."