Manuel Maldonado is hoping to challenge for race wins in his second season with Fortec Motorsports in the BRDC British Formula 3 championship.
The 17-year-old cousin of Formula 1 race-winner Pastor has opted to continue with Fortec for the 2018 season after finishing 12th in the standings last year.
?I am really happy to return to the BRDC British F3 championship and to be staying with the Fortec team,? he said.
?We worked really well together in 2017, and our experience should mean we are challenging for podiums and hopefully wins in 2018.?
Maldonado finished in the top 10 on nine occasions last year, with a best finish of sixth. Over the winter he also contested the MRF Challenge, in which he finished 11th in the standings.
Fortec team manager Russ Dixon is optimistic about his chances for the 2018 British F3 championship.
?We were very happy with the progress he showed last year and, with our race and championship-winning experience, feel that we can move to the next level together this year.?
Maldonado is Fortec?s first confirmed driver for the 2018 season, which begins at Oulton Park in the final weekend of March.