Oliver Rowland commits to 2015 Formula Renault 3.5 with Fortec

The 2011 McLaren AUTOSPORT BRDC Award winner took two race victories and fourth in the standings in his maiden FR3.5 campaign this year.

Rowland has retained backing from the Racing Steps Foundation, which announced his plans live on BT Sport on Sunday.

"He's cemented a really good relationship with the team, especially his engineer," said RSF chief Derek Walters.

"We want to build on where we've ended up, and hopefully go off and win the championship - hopefully by mid-season! No pressure, but I'm sure he can do it."

The 22-year-old said a FR3.5 title bid was the obvious choice given the promise he had showed in 2014.

"I had a good year and I could've been second quite easily," said Rowland.

"Hopefully next year I'll get a good crack at it and really show my potential."

Rowland is likely to be the best-placed 2014 FR3.5 driver to return to the series next year.

Champion Carlos Sainz Jr and fellow Formula 1 test driver Roberto Merhi, who finished third, are both set to move on.

Runner-up Pierre Gasly told AUTOSPORT he is keen to switch to GP2, where the Red Bull protege is a candidate for a DAMS seat.