Weston Hills teenager Johnathan Hoggard will be back on the British Formula 4 (F4) grid next season after securing a full-time seat with Fortec Motorsports.
Hoggard, who is 17, contested the second half of the 2017 season with Fortec, having concentrated on his education at the beginning of the year.
He visited the podium once in his 12 race stint in the championship, and made it into the points on two other occasions.
Prior to stepping up to single-seaters he was a successful karter, winning the MSA National OK Junior championship, and finishing third in the Super 1 National Rotax Max Junior series.
Hoggard said: “I’m delighted that everything has finally been agreed, allowing me to compete in the British F4 championship with Fortec Motorsports this year.
“Last year my priority was to focus on my education and GCSE examinations. This meant I was only able to compete in four meetings at the end of the season.
“To get that first podium finish at Silverstone so early on in my single-seater career was the standout moment from a restricted rookie campaign.
“Winter testing has gone exceptionally well.
“Fortec have given me fantastic support and guidance to ensure I am fully prepared for this season.
“We have a great spirit within the team, with superb people and the winning mentality which is needed to challenge for the championship.
“I’m incredibly excited to see what we can achieve during the course of 2018.”
At Fortec, Hoggard joins fellow second year racers Hampus Ericsson, the winner of the 2017 Challenge Cup, and Lucca Allen, who switches from Falcon Motorsport.
“We are delighted that Johnathan is remaining part of the Fortec family this year,” added Fortec team manager Oliver Dutton.
“Johnathan is a product of the Fortec Driver Development Programme and we have watched him mature during a very successful winter testing programme.
“He has impressed us with his excellent pace and consistency throughout.
“I am confident he will develop into a race winner, and with hard work and determination a strong championship contender.”
Rounds one, two and three of the 2018 provisional calendar are due to take place at the Brands Hatch Indy circuit on the weekend of April 7 and 8.
The season is also due to finish at the Kent circuit, albeit on the Grand Prix track on September 29 and 30.
