James Hedley will drive for Arden VRD in the opening round of the GB3 Championship at Oulton Park.

The 19-year-old returns to the series after racing with JHR Developments and Elite Motorsport last year.

Hedley is delighted to be racing at Oulton Park on the 7-10 of April and said: “I’m pleased and relieved to confirm my place with Arden VRD this weekend. 

“I think our pre-season testing pace shows we mean business, and although it’s been a late deal to put together, I feel well prepared to challenge for wins and podiums. 

“To be working with a team like Arden VRD is a milestone in my career, and I hope to work with them to take full advantage of the opportunity this weekend.”

Hedley is joining North Americans Nico Christodoulou and Noah Ping in the Anglo-American squad’s three car line-up.

The driver from Bournemouth scored one podium in GB3 last year, taking third place at Snetterton on his way to 17th in the championship.

The GB3 grid has now grown to 25 cars for the event at the Cheshire-based venue, the biggest grid at this level since the early 1970s.

Arden VRD Team Manager Jack Woodhouse praised the British driver’s performances in pre-season, especially at Snetterton.

Woodhouse said: “We really enjoyed working with James in pre-season testing, and his performances, particularly at Snetterton were very impressive. 

The Arden Team Manager is eagerly anticipating collaborating with Hedley this weekend at Oulton Park and said he may have potential to stand on the podium.

“It’s great therefore to get him confirmed in our line-up for Oulton Park and we hope he’s able to replicate his testing performances with us. If he does that, he’ll be a certain podium threat.”