Will Palmer opts for second season in Formula Renault Eurocup

The 2015 McLaren Autosport BRDC Award winner competed in both the Eurocup and NEC series this year with ART junior team R-Ace GP after graduating from the BRDC Formula 4 championship as champion.

He claimed his first Formula Renault win during the final round of the Eurocup season at Estoril, and finished seventh in the standings.

Son of Motor Sport Vision owner Jonathan and brother of Renault Formula 1 driver Jolyon, Palmer announced on Tuesday he would remain with R-Ace for a second season in the revamped Eurocup.

Renault has increased its backing of the series, upping its investment while also offering two drivers a place in its Renault Sport Academy.

Palmer said he was confident of fighting for one of those spots after a learning year in the category.

"I've learnt a huge amount in my first year racing in Europe and after a strong end to the year as well as a very promising post-season testing programme, I'm very confident of fighting for the title next year," the 19-year-old said.

"I worked well with R-Ace GP this year and I have absolute confidence in everyone in the team to give me the best opportunity possible to deliver next year.

"It is also exciting to see the Formula Renault Eurocup being expanded for next year.

"There will be 10 rounds which will include all European Formula 1 tracks, including Monaco once again which I am massively looking forward to already.

"There are also some new teams joining the series so I am sure it will be a very competitive year for the championship."

FEWTRELL HEADS TO EUROPE

British F4 champion Max Fewtrell will also race in Eurocup next year, making the step up with Tech 1 Racing.

Fewtrell claimed the 2016 F4 title with Carlin in October, and later that month took part in the Formula Renault rookie test at Estoril with Tech 1.

"I'm looking forward to it but it's going to be a challenge," said Fewtrell.

"It's a really high level championship and it's the best option around. The benefits of winning it are great and it would be good to have on your CV.

"It's a very attractive championship but it will be really hard racing against second-year drivers.

"A solid target would be top three [overall] but it's going to be hard.

"I want to win it of course but you have got to be realistic."

BRDC British F3 graduate Thomas Maxwell and returning drivers Gabriel Aubry and Thomas Neubauer complete Tech 1's line-up.