Merhi joins Prema for Euro Series

The Spaniard will stay in the category for a third season, after racing for Manor Motorsport and Mucke Motorsport in 2009 and 2010 respectively.

Merhi raced for Prema at the Macau Grand Prix last year, and both parties were keen to extend the relationship beyond that one-off deal.

"It's a pleasure for me to confirm my relationship with Prema," said Merhi. "Our efforts during the Macau GP proved we can do very well together.

"Our target is to win the championship, and I firmly believe this is possible. I can't wait to drive my car in March."

Merhi will partner his countryman Daniel Juncadella, who is returning for a second season with Prema. And team boss Angelo Rosin believes that the Spanish pairing can be a formidable force in 2011.

"I really hoped to keep working with Roberto after the experience we had together at Macau last November," said Rosin.

"We know how talented he is after having battled with him as a rival in the past two seasons.

"Together with Daniel Juncadella, he'll be part of one of the strongest line-ups in the series. There's no doubt in saying that our goal is to win the highest possible number of races in 2011."

Merhi has finished seventh and fifth in the last two Euro Series seasons.