Rossi joins Fortec's Renault 3.5 team

The 19-year-old American already has FR3.5 from a one-off outing in Monte Carlo last year - where he qualified fifth - and from winter testing, where he was a pacesetter with the ISR team.

"Coming off the back of a number of very strong winter tests in 2010, I was confident that we would be able to find a good solution for the 2011 season," said Rossi, who was fourth in the inaugural GP3 championship last year.

"When Fortec approached us to join them for this year's assault on WSR we were thrilled. They have a long-standing history of success in motor racing.

"My goals for this year remain the same as in previous seasons and I've never been more prepared for a championship-winning campaign. I have full confidence in Fortec and their past results are motivation enough to deliver results for them."

Fortec team boss Richard Dutton added: "I am delighted to have Alexander racing with us. I have watched him coming through the ranks since Formula BMW and I was impressed by his speed both back then and also now.

"His debut in 2010 WSR at Monaco and his pace in the winter testing with ISR showed us that he was one to have this year."