Motorsport: Kiwi young gun Marcus Armstrong stars in F2 debut in Austria

New Zealand's next big thing in motorsport - Marcus Armstrong - has produced a stunning drive to claim a podium on his Formula Two debut.

The young Kiwi piloted his ART Grand Prix rocket through the field from a starting place of 13th to claim second spot at Austria's Red Bull Ring.

British sensation Callum Illot secured a commanding victory, more than three seconds in front of the 19-year-old Cantabrian.

The field is jam-packed full of talent and provides motorsport fans with a sneak peek into the future of Formula One, with Illot, Armstrong and Mick Schumacher - son of Michael - all driving the banner of the Ferrari Driver Academy.

Speaking after the race, a delighted Armstrong admitted the result came as a bit of a surprise.

"We had a poor qualifying yesterday where a few things didn't go our way," the Kiwi flyer said.

"We gambled a bit on strategy and that was a big leap of faith and that paid off in the end.

"Credit to ART - the car was amazing."

A shorter 20-lap race is scheduled for Sunday night and will act as the curtainraiser for the opening round of the F1 season.