Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne has become the latest youngster to join the McLaren Young Driver Programme.
The Formula Renault 3.5 rookie won the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 Championhip last season, winning four races and standing on the podium on seven other occasions.
His success in 2012 earned him a deal with the Fortec squad in the Formula Renault 3.5 for 2-13 as well as spot in the McLaren Young Driver Programme where he will join up with Kevin Magnussen and Nyck de Vries.
McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh said: "We're delighted to announce that Stoffel is now part of the McLaren Young Driver Programme.
"He's an able and ambitious young driver, and we have high hopes for him."
The 20-year-old Vandoorne was naturally over the moon.
"I'm absolutely delighted to have been selected to be part of the McLaren Young Driver Programme," he said.
"McLaren is one of the greatest names in motorsport, and to be a part of the McLaren Young Driver Programme is an honour and a privilege which I fully intend to do my very best to maximise in terms of both learning and results for years to come. I'd therefore like to take this opportunity to say a big 'thank you' to Martin Whitmarsh, and all at McLaren, for having shown faith in me in this way."
















