Stockinger in GP3 move with Atech

Stockinger drove for the squad's Formula Renault UK arm for the past two years, taking his first win at Croft this season and finishing eighth in the championship.

The 19-year-old has already begun GP3 testing with the team and expects to be competitive from the outset next year.

"My aim is to be the top rookie and finish in the top five," said Stockinger. "It's a lot to ask but I believe we can do it, given how well we did when I tested with the team in the winter tests.

"The cars themselves are great and I felt at home within a couple of laps."

Team boss David Hayle was pleased to keep Stockinger on board for the next step in his career.

"I'm really happy that Marlon is staying within the Atech family and progressing up the ladder with Atech CRS into GP3," said Hayle.

"His performances this season, including a dominant weekend at Croft, confirm how much he has improved over the past 12 months and it's been a pleasure to work with him and see him mature into a frontrunning driver."

Atech CRS has already signed Stockinger's 2010 FRenault team-mate Nick Yelloly for its 2011 GP3 programme as well and is in talks with candidates for its third seat.

Although it did not win a race in GP3 this year, the team took Roberto Merhi to sixth in the championship despite the Spaniard missing the first two events.