Parente steps up for World Series

Although the Portuguese driver has signed for Victory Engineering, he is effectively remaining within the Carlin Motorsport family. This follows the British team's deal with Victory to help run their World Series entry.

The 21-year-old, who has represented Portugal in A1 Grand Prix this winter told Autosport: "I was quite good and quick in GP2 testing, but we couldn't get a deal together with a good team. And if you go with a weak team you have no chance.

"Carlin has three years of experience in the World Series but has never won the championship. So we're going to do our best to change that. For sure it was always my first choice to stay with them if I was going to do the World Series."

In addition to Parente's signature, the World Series by Renault grid continues to be filled, with Italian squad GD Racing signing Matteo Meneghello for their campaign.