Yelloly secures full-time Formula Renault 3.5 berth with Comtec

British racer Nick Yelloly will graduate to Formula Renault 3.5 this season following his impressive runs in the series last year.

Yelloly showed remarkable pace in 2011 after stepping into FR3.5 machinery at short notice from the significantly less powerful GP3 category. Driving three rounds for the Pons outfit, who struggled throughout the campaign, Yelloly recorded a runner-up finish at the Barcelona season finale to end the year as the team's best-scoring driver.

In 2012 he will race for Comtec, who finished bottom in last year's teams' championship with just two points. Nevertheless Yelloly is confident ahead of his first full season in the series.

"There are a number of excellent drivers in this year's 3.5 championship, but when competing in the last three rounds last year there were also some highly regarded prospects, as there is every year in the championship, so that's no real worry to me," said the 20-year-old.

"I recently visited Comtec's facility to have a look around and after my initial visit, I'm very confident in what they have set in place for the 2012 season and the development work that has already been completed at this stage."

Team manager John Barnett added that he is pleased to have landed Yelloly.

"Nick burst onto the World Series scene last season and immediately made an impact; surprising and impressing everyone with his pace," said Barnett. "Since then, it was our aim to secure Nick as part of the team for 2012.

Yelloly is the first of Comtec's drivers to be confirmed ahead of the new campaign.

Watch Formula Renault 3.5 highlights on Motors TV


James Weeks