Van der Zande to race for Holland

In an unusual move, the Dutch squad are giving both their drivers a chance to race in Mexico, with 21-year-old van der Zande contesting qualifying and the sprint race, before regular driver Jeroen Bleekemolen takes over for the feature.

A1GP rules allow teams to switch drivers between races at a meeting, but this has only very rarely taken place, with the majority of teams using an inexperienced driver in the Friday 'rookie' practice sessions before handing over to the regular race driver for the rest of the weekend.

Team Netherland will then alternate between its drivers for the final two meetings, with Van der Zande contesting both races in China, and Bleekemolen doing likewise at Brands Hatch.

"We want to present the opportunity to talented drivers to show themselves on this level in front of a large international racing audience and simultaneously give their commercial support team an extra tool to get the business community involved," said team boss Jan Lammers.

"It would be the easiest thing, now that Jeroen is performing very well, to leave things unchanged. But, we cannot ignore the importance of the development of the team as a whole.

"By giving Renger this chance on this level and in this fantastic series we hope to grow even more enthusiasm with a broader audience. At the same time, looking forward to next season, we are getting a better picture of Renger during race conditions in A1GP and how having two drivers each doing a race in one race weekend is working out."

In addition to his A1GP duties this season, van der Zande will also contest the Formula Three Euro Series with Prema.