Brazilian pairing Patrick Rocha and Gustavo Sondermann will make their competitive Formula Renault UK Championship with Michelin debuts at Croft Circuit in North Yorkshire this weekend as the second half of the season begins following an eight-week summer break.

Rocha, who replaces Irishman James Murphy at Middlesex-based Team Firstair, has been racing this season in the Formula Renault 2000 Eurocup. The 21-year old finished fourth in his native Brazilian Formula Renault Championship in 2003 and prior to this he enjoyed a successful career in karting.

Speaking on his 11th-hour signing, Team Firstair owner Ian Barnwell said: “I’m delighted Patrick will be racing at Croft and if everything goes well we’re confident he’ll remain in the UK championship with us until the end of the year.”

Rocha’s compatriot Sondermann, meanwhile, will drive in place of David Epton at Chatham-based Motaworld Racing. The 22-year old, who won the Brazilian Formula Renault Championship in 2002, got some useful mileage under his belt with the team at last week’s mid-season test day at Snetterton in Norfolk.

Alan Waite, team boss of Motaworld Racing, commented: “Gustavo has shown he’s a talented driver with his victories in Brazil and we were pleased with the way he went at Snetterton. I’m sure he’ll do a good job at Croft he’ll probably surprise a few people.”

The official Formula Renault UK Championship with Michelin pre-event test session takes place on Friday morning, 23rd July, with qualification on Saturday, 24th July, and the 11th and 12th rounds of the season scheduled to take place on Sunday, 25th July.

Click Here for the Official Formula Renault Web Site - Designed and Built by Racecar