Aron switches to Hitech GP for 2017 F3 season

Aron, 18, graduated to European F3 with Prema this year after having taken the team's second Italian F4 title in 2015.

The Estonian was victorious in his fourth European F3 start at the Hungaroring, but went winless for the rest of the season, finishing seventh overall and second to Joel Eriksson in the rookie standings.

Aron said: “I was pretty happy with my first season in F3. Of course, like any season, there are areas you can improve and would have liked to have done better, but it is a strong championship and you need to be consistent everywhere you go.

“Hitech did a very strong job this year and I feel confident in them giving me the car to fight at the front throughout next season.

"I have felt at home from the moment I tested with them after Hockenheim, and we are all pushing for the same thing, which is exactly what you want as a driver.”

Hitech fielded a three-car line-up in its first European F3 campaign this year, getting two wins courtesy of George Russell and two more through Ben Barnicoat.

The team says it views the signing of Aron as a "major coup" for 2017.

"Ralf showed this season he can mix it with the experienced drivers and he produced some great results throughout the year”, said Hitech GP's Oliver Oakes.

"We kept an eye on his progress, as he was one to watch from F4 the year before, and were very impressed with everything we saw.

"To have Ralf on board for 2017 is fantastic for the team and we’re confident he can mount a strong challenge for the championship.”