Reigning Formula Renault 3.5 champion Oliver Rowland is joining the new Renault Sport Academy with immediate effect it was announced in Paris this afternoon.

Rowland - the first Briton to win the FR3.5 title on the back of a record eight wins - signed up with the Academy ahead of Renault Sport's Keynote Address at the Renault Technocentre at Guyancourt this afternoon (Wednesday).

The 23 years-old driver from Sheffield, Yorkshire, will join the Academy line-up and undergo a comprehensive immersion programme at Renault Sport Racing's headquarters in Viry-Châtillon and Enstone.

In parallel with his Renault Sport Academy role Rowland will race in GP2.

The announcement took him another step closer to realising his dream of becoming a full-time Formula 1 driver, he said.

"I'm just thrilled to be able to share this news. Clearly it's the kind of career move that every driver dreams of - but few get to realise.

"In that respect I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Renault Sport and the Racing Steps Foundation for making this possible."

Graham Sharp, founder of the Racing Steps Foundation, said: "Renault Sport, through Formula Renault 2.0 and then FR3.5, have provided the all-important stepping stones that have enabled Oliver to make his way from karting through to the brink of Formula 1.

"So it's not only fitting, but extremely exciting for the RSF, to see Oliver take this next huge leap with the assistance of Renault Sport again."

"We're thrilled to have played a part in helping him along the way. Now it's up to him to seize the opportunity with both hands and make the absolute most of it."