Aaro Vainio moves to Lotus for 2012 GP3 campaign

The 18-year-old raced for Tech 1 in the 2011 series, taking a podium finish at Catalunya and finishing 15th in the standings. Vainio had made his car racing debut in Formula Renault in '10.

"I'm really excited and pleased to have this opportunity to drive with Lotus GP," he said. "This year I will have everything I need to succeed. Equipment and experience are the main keys."

Frederic Vasseur's team has won every title in GP3 so far, taking Esteban Gutierrez and Valtteri Bottas to the 2010 and '11 drivers' crowns and winning the teams' title in each year.

"Lotus GP is for sure the best team on the field, looking at their fantastic achievements of the past two years, since they are undefeated in the GP3 series," said Vainio.

Vasseur said Vainio impressed him last season in his rookie campaign.

"Aaro's first season in the GP3 Series was not always filled with success, but he never lost his focus due to adversity and he showed strong performances on various occasions," said Vasseur.

"Lotus GP confirmed his great potential during the three days of tests held at three different circuits, and we are confident that Aaro will be able to express himself in 2012 so that he is consistently at the front."

Vainio joins Formula 3 convert Daniel Abt in the 2012 Lotus GP3 line-up.