2012 Formula Renault 2.0 champion Stoffel Vandoorne has taken Robin Frijns' seat at Fortec Motorsports in the bigger 3.5 series.
The Belgian will also try to emulate Frijns' success.
The Dutchman became the first Fortec driver to win the championship last year, – controversially – edging ahead of Jules Bianchi in the final duel for the title.
He is now a reserve driver for Sauber's F1 team.
The future does look promising for Vandoorne who, in a recent FR3.5 test at Aragon, managed to break Frijns track record.
"My choice was quite easy between the teams I have tested for in the FR3.5," the Belgian said.
"I felt very good with Fortec straight away, and we showed some really good speed during the post-season tests. I’m happy that finally the deal is done, and I can start focusing on next year."
In 2012, Vandoorne was also named "Belgian Driver of the Year" by the Royal Automobile Club de Belgique.
The Belgian will also try to emulate Frijns' success.
The Dutchman became the first Fortec driver to win the championship last year, – controversially – edging ahead of Jules Bianchi in the final duel for the title.
He is now a reserve driver for Sauber's F1 team.
The future does look promising for Vandoorne who, in a recent FR3.5 test at Aragon, managed to break Frijns track record.
 |
| Vandoorne sampling Formula Renault 3.5 power (Photo: Stoffel Vandoorne@Facebook) |
"My choice was quite easy between the teams I have tested for in the FR3.5," the Belgian said.
"I felt very good with Fortec straight away, and we showed some really good speed during the post-season tests. I’m happy that finally the deal is done, and I can start focusing on next year."
In 2012, Vandoorne was also named "Belgian Driver of the Year" by the Royal Automobile Club de Belgique.