Hartley signs with Gravity-Charouz

Gravity and Charouz Racing have teamed up to take over Interwetten's entry and equipment for this season, and will field Hartley alongside Renault reserve driver, and son of team boss Antonin, Jan Charouz.

Charouz Sr has revealed the team will carry the black and gold livery of the Renault F1 team.

Hartley contested the majority of last year's Formula Renault 3.5 championship with Tech 1 Racing, and substituted for Charouz in the penultimate round with P1 Motorsport.

The 21-year-old New Zealander also entered the final four races of the GP2 season with Coloni, but he will return to FR3.5 full time this year.

"I am very excited about the upcoming season with Gravity-Charouz and truly believe we can fight for the championship," he said.

Jan Charouz competed in his maiden season in the category with P1 Motorsport in 2010. The Czech's best results were seventh places at Brno and the Hungaroring, on his way to 18th in the drivers' standings.

The former Le Mans Series co-champion commented: "In 2011, I would like to finish in the top five regularly. Last year, I competed in my maiden season in Formula Renault 3.5 and I gained a lot of experience. For me it was the first complete season in single-seaters after quite a long time spent in sportscar racing.

"I know Brendon Hartley very well. He is a strong and fast driver. I think our pace is comparable, so there will be close competition between us."