Tech 1 aiming to retain crown

Tech 1 ran Alvaro Parente to the title last season in just their second year in the World Series, and team boss Simon Abadie is confident that Jousse and 17-year-old Pic can retain their crown.

He said: "We're very confident in our choice of drivers. Julien has matured a lot with us and made a big contribution to our teams' title last year. He had a great first season and was one of the best rookies so he has what it takes to succeed Alvaro.

"Charles's winter testing has been very promising and he should soon be among the front runners. He enjoyed working with Julien in testing and should learn from his experience.

"He was in the top three in the Renault Eurocup last season. He mustn't be impatient and want to win immediately. He'll have to learn without putting himself under too much pressure, but we're counting on him as a potential title contender."

Tech 1 will sample the new World Series car for the time in the official test at Valencia on March 5-6.