Roy Nissany and Rene Binder will form the Lotus 3.5 line-up for the Formula V8 3.5 season, it was announced on Monday.
Israeli driver Nissany has switched over from Tech 1 Racing for the new season, having raced for the French team in 2015 as a rookie driver in the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, and took a podium finish at the Red Bull Ring.
“I’m so proud and happy to join the Lotus squad,” said Nissany, who is the son of one-time Minardi F1 test driver Chanoch Nissany.
“I felt really comfortable with the car and all the crew during the winter test in Barcelona. I can’t wait to be back in that car, and it was a great experience. The team has been great as well so I really want to be back on track soon!”
Austrian driver Binder will make a full-time switch to the championship after three years driving in the GP2 Series, having made a one-off appearance at the Nurburgring in 2015 with Pons Racing, securing a points finish in race two.
“After three disappointing years in GP2, I am really motivated for great results,” said Binder. “I think the team can help me to achieve this results and I totally trust them for the preparation of the car. We met a few weeks ago but we always had a great feeling.
“I ran only one [round] last season, but I have to find the right chemistry with the Michelin tires and there are also a couple of tracks I’ve never raced before.”
Team boss Antonin Charouz believes both drivers will show commitment during the season, with the team aiming to fight for the championship again after taking Matthieu Vaxiviere to three wins and second place in the standings in 2015.
“2016 will be a great year,” said Charouz. “The series has a new name but we are still motivated to fight for the title.
“We chose two really committed drivers and I’m sure we will show our potential in the nine rounds on the schedule. We worked really hard during the winter, and we are ready to be back on-track more determined than ever.”
