Comtec completes FR3.5 line-up

McKenzie joins the Norfolk-based squad after a two-year spell in British F3 with Fortec. The Poole driver took two reverse-grid victories last season and was a dominant National Class champion in 2009.

Ahead of a shakedown in Valencia, McKenzie said: "I think the team is more than capable of putting the car on the podium and winning races, so I can't wait to get out there. It's going to be a tough year because the majority of the drivers are in their second year.

"I think I'm going to be chasing them down after a few races. It'll take a few races to find my feet and to fully get on the pace of the front-runners and start challenging. [But] I'm confident that this car can perform and we can put ourselves on the front row or two in qualifying or in a racing situation."

De Jong graduates to the category from a three-year apprenticeship in Formula Renault 2.0. The 19 year-old from Rotterdam achieved a solitary win in the North European Cup final at the Nurburgring last season.

De Jong's best result in two years of the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup with MP Motorsport was runner-up spot at last year's Motorland opener.

Team manager John Barnett expected his line-up to progress strongly over the season.

"We're delighted to have signed two rookies," said Barnett. "It's going to be a tough year for them both, as there are a lot of experienced drivers out there, but we are ready for the challenge and hopefully towards the second part of the year we'll be up and running and competing amongst them."

Comtec ran GP2-Asia race winner Stefano Coletti and Greg Mansell in 2010, and claimed the 2006 drivers' championship with Alx Danielsson.