GP3 series and Le Mans 24 Hours debut for Jake Dennis in 2016

The 2012 McLaren Autosport BRDC award winner has penned a deal to race with Arden International in GP3, who he tested for in Abu Dhabi last week, and its new partner team Jota Sport in LMP2.

Dennis, who picked up six wins in F3 on his way to third in the championship, will make his LMP2 debut at the Six Hours of Spa in May before competing at Le Mans in June in Jota's Gibson 015s-Nissan.

The Racing Steps Foundation backed driver described the deal as a "win-win" situation.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for me, an absolute win-win for sure," said Dennis.

"Not only do I get to take another step up the single-seater ladder with one of the top teams in GP3 but I also get my first taste of endurance racing with a Le Mans LMP2 class-winning team.

"I can't thank the RSF, Arden and Jota Sport enough for setting this up for me - the chances it gives me to showcase what I'm capable of in front of probably the two biggest audiences in motorsport will be invaluable as I progress my career."

Arden general manager Julian Rouse added: "This programme for Jake is exactly what Arden and Jota have joined together to create and we are delighted that our partnership is benefiting a driver of his calibre.

"There is a long term plan for Jake that we are all working towards and it is great that the Racing Steps Foundation shares the same vision as us. We are very thankful of that.

"Judging by how well Jake has already integrated into the team, together with his performance on track in Abu Dhabi, it is going to be an exciting season ahead."