Malja steps up to FR3.5 with Strakka

Formula Renault Eurocup racer Gustav Malja will step up to Formula Renault 3.5 with Strakka Racing for 2015.

The 19-year-old Swede graduates from the two-liter Renault category after two seasons, the highlight of which was finishing fifth in the Northern European Cup last year alongside a second year in the Eurocup.

"I've felt immediately at home with Strakka, and we share the same view about how to go racing," said Malja, who finished 12th in the Eurocup last year. "I'm convinced that their way of working will allow me to get the most out of myself in my rookie year.

"Joining this championship will mark the greatest challenge of my career so far, but I learned a lot in testing and I do feel well prepared."

Strakka finished sixth in the FR3.5 teams' standings in 2014, winning two races with Will Stevens.

Team principal Dan Walmsley added: "Gustav is definitely one to watch and we are delighted to have such a focused and committed driver.

"Getting Gustav signed early means we can start straight away on our in-house simulator together with the Strakka Performance team and build upon Gustav's impressive winter testing."

Walmsley added that Strakka hopes to be able to announce Malja's teammate soon.