The FIA World Endurance Championship has confirmed that Formula V8 3.5 will join its support bill for the 2017 season.
FV8 3.5 will become a feeder series for the endurance championship, supporting six WEC rounds next year.
The single-seater series will help young talent move up to the WEC’s LMP1, LMP2 and GTE classes, with the top three in the championship being awarded a spot on the WEC’s Rookie Test in Bahrain.
FV8 3.5 is experiencing a transitional season following the withdrawal of backing from Renault Sport at the end of 2015.
It will join the WEC for events in Japan, Bahrain, Mexico, as well as European rounds at Silverstone, Spa and the Nurburgring.
Jaime Alguersuari, RPM President: “Today, I am pleased to announce that this agreement with the FIA World Endurance Championship is the most exciting project of my professional career,” said Jamie Alguersuari, RPM president.
“Cost control has always been one of my biggest concerns in order to help the drivers, their families and sponsors. I have been always concerned with the development of the drivers’ career as well.
“The new series, linked to the FIA WEC, is a historic challenge because a single-seater championship of this level has never before offered such a wide international calendar at an affordable budget.
Gérard Neveu, FIA WEC CEO, added: “It is very good news that the V8 3.5 series will join the FIA WEC race meetings from 2017.
“Great news for the fans, but also for the young drivers who are the champions of the future, and the future is tomorrow.
“It make sense to offer to the new generation of drivers access to a well-established championship such as the FIA WEC.
“The fact that the champions will have an opportunity to take part in the WEC’s official rookie test at the end of the season will be additional motivation and a target for everyone on the grid.”
