RPM organiser to take over Formula Renault 3.5 from 2016

The Spanish company will take charge of FR3.5's intellectual property as well as "the management, promotion and the organisation of the category", following Renault's decision to end its involvement.

RPM boss Jamie Alguersuari Sr announced the developments to teams in a meeting at Silverstone on Friday evening.

An FR3.5 calendar for 2016 is set to be revealed over the weekend.

"The decision of Renault Sport Technologies to stop acting as organiser of the Formula Renault 3.5 Series has been one of the biggest challenges in the history of my company," said Alguersuari in a statement.

"I respect the decision of Renault, and at the same time, I would like to thank the French company for their permanent confidence in RPM.

"It's also time to extend my deepest gratitude to the men and women of Renault Sport Technologies for their involvement throughout these years.

"I have to admit that this past month, August, has been a very special one for me.

"It is 18 years since we created the Formula Nissan 2.0, and after being involved hand-to-hand in the creation of FR3.5, to regain the responsibility of continuing with the 500bhp single-seater championship, which has carried more drivers to F1 over the last 11 years - it is not only a big responsibility, but also a big privilege.

"The philosophy of this new single-seater championship will be the same as when I unveiled and created Formula Nissan in 1998, the World Series by Nissan and Formula Renault 3.5: more affordable, more epic and faster."

Teams had pushed for World Series by Nissan founder Alguersuari to assume responsibility for the running of the series following Renault's decision.

Tyre-supplier Michelin, chassis manufacturer Dallara and engine provider Gibson are expected to renew their commitment and technical involvement for the revamped championship.

The majority of this season's teams have pledged their support to Barcelona-based RPM and the category next year, although there are indications that some teams eyeing the FIA's revived Formula 2 category - which is expected to be created from GP2 - could end their FR3.5 involvement.

Renault is committed to continue supporting its three international Formula Renault 2.0 championships, as well as the GT-style Renault Sport Trophy which is in its inaugural year.

Renault Sport recently revealed that Fastlane would continue promoting FR2.0 Alps, the NEC would be promoted by MdH and the Eurocup would remain under the Renault Sport Technologies umbrella.

Co-operation between the three FR2.0 series will be reinforced to ensure that there are no clash of dates between the Eurocup and the two other series.

The calendars will allow drivers to double-up on FIA superlicence points, should they choose to run in two series.