Taylor to fill Pizzonia’s shoes at Manor

Taylor was the runner up to James Courtney in this year's Formula Ford Zetec series and is currently at the top of the standings in the unofficial European championship. The 22-year-old has notched up three wins this year in his Mackie Motorsport-run Mygale and will now move to the crack Manor F3 outfit, which has won the championship for the last two years.

"I'm absolutely delighted to have this great opportunity," said Taylor. "The time I have spent in Formula Ford has been invaluable and I'm really looking forward to putting that experience to good use with the Manor team. Next April can't come soon enough for me."

The Manor team was founded in 1990 and since then has created an impressive record for itself, winning a championship every year since 1994. The Sheffield-based outfit is now one of the most respected along the F3 pit-lane and team boss John booth is sure Taylor has what it takes to succeed.

"I have watched all of Mark's Formula Ford races this year," said Booth. "He has impressed me with a very good qualifying lap, he always makes good starts and he has strong first laps, which will hold him in good stead for Formula 3. We're very much looking forward to running him."

Taylor was also announced as one of the BRDC McLaren Autopsport young driver finalists last week and will battle it out for the coveted award with the other five at the end of the month.