Alfonso Celis stays with AVF for 2016

F3.5 V8 is the RPM-run successor of Formula Renault 3.5, which Celis contested in 2015 alongside a parallel GP3 campaign with ART.

The Mexican completed his rookie season in the series in 16th place, amassing 17 points and picking up a breakthrough best finish of fourth in a chaotic mixed-conditions race at the Nurburgring.

"AVF has been like a family for me this season," Celis said. "I really merged well with the team and the car has been one the best I’ve driven in my whole career.

"As I’m set for my second year in the championship, staying with Adrian [Valles, team boss] felt like a logical and natural choice as he really helped me a lot in growing up as a driver."

Spanish squad AVF entered FR3.5 as "AV Formula" back in 2013 and has yet to win a race in the series, although podiums for the team have been achieved by Arthur Pic and Zoel Amberg.

"I’m delighted to have Alfonso with us again for the 2016 season," said Valles. "In addition to the fact that he is a great driver, he showed he is a phenomenal guy.

"He perfectly integrated with the team and everybody works with him really well.

"We are also proud to be the first team to sign a driver for the new Formula 3.5 V8 championship, a series where we hope to be among the leading contenders next year."

Celis ran with AVF on both days of the post-season day at Jerez, with the other car driven by Marvin Kirchhofer, who serves as the Mexican's teammate in GP3.