Asia Racing Team will run Jasper Thong in the 2016 AFR Series in the "Class B" category for the previous generation two-litre Tatuus cars. 16 year-old Thong from Hong Kong will be one of the youngest in the field and makes the step up to single seater racing from a strong career in karting in Asia.

Thong tested the car in Zhuhai for a couple of times, describing it as “the perfect step” in his career, and has now committed to the series for the season ahead. The 2015 CKC X30 Junior Champion and 2014 Rotax China Junior Champion will be sponsored by Exvision, EXPower and Britzgo in his progression from karting to single seaters.

Speaking about the season ahead, Thong said: “I am very happy to be joining Asia Racing Team for my first season in single seaters. I’m very excited to work them. We had a couple of tests at the end of last year and beginning of this year which went really well.”

Team Manager Philippe Descombes, commented; "We’re thrilled to have Jasper with us for this year in Class B. He showed rapid progress in winter testing, building a good relationship with the team. I’m sure he will be fighting for class podiums and race wins if he continues to work hard.”

The 2016 Asian Formula Renault series kicks off on March 20 at the Zhuhai International Circuit as part of the ever-popular Pan Delta Super Racing Festival. Once more the calendar comprises six two-race events and the series will visit the circuit of Zhuhai as well as in the Formula One racing tracks of Shanghai and Korea.