Nikolay Martsenko will continue his career in Formula Renault 3.5 with Pons Racing, it was announced today.
The 19-year-old Russian will partner Zoel Amberg at Pons after the team’s other contracted driver, Yahn Cunha, left for another Spanish team, AV Formula.
Martsenko’s previous record includes two seasons in German F3, where he scored ten points between 2010 and 2011, placing 18th and 12th in the standings respectively. In 2012, Martsenko made the switch to FR3.5 with BVM Target, scoring 13 points on his way to 20th place. His best result of the season came in his debut race, where he finished fifth at Aragon.
Regarding the move to Pons, Martsenko said: “I?m very glad to be joining Pons Racing in Formula Renault 3.5 in 2013. This is a good team that knows how to win and has a rich history in the championship. I have had a great relationship with the team?s members at the World Series? paddock throughout last year. Having signed the contract, I?m sure I will manage to adapt fast in the new team ? the understanding and working atmosphere of Pons Racing will allow me to get the maximum out of the Formula Renault 3.5 car”.
Martsenko has taken part in each day of the FR3.5 post-season testing in 2012, racing two days with Fortec and three with Tech 1 Racing.
In 2012, Pons Racing, employing Cunha and Amberg, only managed one point (courtesy of the Swiss driver) and finished last in the teams’ standings.