Double R signs Derani for 2011

The Brazilian will graduate from the German F3 Cup, where he finished 10th for Motopark Academy in 2010.

A multiple karting champion in South America, the 17-year-old also raced for Motopark in the Formula Renault North European Cup in 2009 before moving into F3.

He has already completed 2000km of testing in one of his new team's Dallara-Mercedes.

"I had a complicated year in 2010 and for a lot of reasons I couldn't show my potential," said Derani. "Since the early tests I did with Double R, the team could already see what I am capable of.

"Of course I have a lot to learn because this will be only my third year racing single-seaters. My aim is to show my true potential, and this time I am pretty sure that I will have the conditions to do so.

"I really believe [in the] Double R team and we will work together at a high level to have a strong season."

Double R team boss Anthony Hieatt is confident Derani can be a frontrunner in his first season in British F3.

"Pipo tested with us in October and was immediately on the pace," said Hieatt. "He is focused and keen to learn and has continued to work in a methodical way with us at subsequent tests at Donington, Jerez, Silverstone and Valencia.

"At each test he has worked away on setup and steadily improved his lap times, usually producing very competitive times at the end of each day.

"From our side we are delighted that Pipo has joined us. From his first run at Pembrey he projected exactly the correct work ethic and we have high expectations for the coming season."

Double R has the capacity to run four drivers and hopes to sign at least three in total for 2011.