RL Racing Department has confirmed Lewis Plato is joining its driver line-up for the 2012 campaign.

Plato’s arrival signals the Suffolk team’s full return to competing in the senior Rotax Max class after Jake Ball’s retirement from racing early into the 2011 season.

The 18-year old Essex driver will spearhead RL Racing Department’s Super One assault. He will be joined by another, as yet unnamed, driver.

“I’m obviously delighted to be joining a team with such a great pedigree,” said Plato during a break in winter testing in Lanzarote. “I’m gelling well with everybody and the equipment is fantastic. I’m really looking forward to showing what I’m capable of next year.” Team boss Steve Armstrong believes his new signing is capable of making a significant contribution to his squad’s history of success:  “I'm very pleased to welcome Lewis into the RL stable. We've been very successful in the Senior Max class over the past three to four years with back-to-back Super One titles for Chris Lock and Mike Simpson, who won the 2008 Euro Max Championship and were vice-British Champions and International Open winners in 2010.”

He added: “Lewis’s presence also complements our vastly strengthened Mini and Junior Max line-ups. All members of the team have undertaken a thorough winter testing programme in the Canary Islands. Albeit that it was at the last minute, we were able to put a package together and get him out there in December. He’s fitted in very well and I’m impressed with his pace and focus. I think we’ll all be in great shape come the opening race of the season.”