Juan Manuel Correa will race in this year’s FIA Formula 3 Championship, one-and-a-half years on from sustaining shocking injuries in the crash which took Anthoine Hubert’s life.

The Ecuadorian-American at one point faced possible amputation of his right leg having broken both, as well as two vertebrae, in a Formula 2 race at Spa-Francorchamps in 2019.

Correa, who also suffered Acute Respiratory Failure in the week following the tragic incident, has now lined up a deal to compete in F3 with ART Grand Prix.

“First of all, I’m extremely happy to be back after what I’ve been through,” said the 21-year-old.

“I am super thankful to ART Grand Prix; it means a lot to me that they’re believing in me and my comeback. F3 is a transition year, my dream is still to reach F1 and this is the first step in my comeback.

“My targets are a bit ahead of myself, because I still have to do a lot, I have not driven a car for a year and a half and there is a big learning curve ahead.

“I’m entering this season with an open mind, I won’t put pressure on myself, I will do my best, I will do what I love and that’s already a victory.”

Correa finished 12th in his only full season to date of what was then known as GP3, in 2018, and was runner-up in two Sprint Races in F2 in 2019.

ART Team Principal Sebastien Philippe said, “Since his horrendous accident in Spa, on August 30th 2019, Juan Manuel has been through a lot of phases, always fighting while keeping in mind that he did not want to give up on his dream to keep racing at the highest possible level.

“Juan Manuel is an example of bravery and tenacity and ART Grand Prix is proud to give him the opportunity to return to racing.

“Juan Manuel is extremely strong mentally, he is still fighting to be as fit as possible and he is hungry.

“Behind the wheel, his talent is immense, as shown by his achievements in go-karts and then his first few years in motorsport.

“We are keen to accompany Juan Manuel to resume his career and to help him climb the ladder once again. He will give the team the benefit of his talent and experience.”

Round 1 supports the Spanish Grand Prix at a new-look Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on May 7-9.