Cumbrian racing driver Frank Bird will join Arden for his third season in Formula Renault, lining-up alongside Patrik Pasma and Sebastian Fernandez for the new-look 2019 championship season.

Originally from Penrith, 19-year-old Frank started his racing career in the Ginetta Junior Championship in 2015, before graduating into single-seater racing in 2016.

He developed quickly over the course of the season, bagging three top-10 finishes in his rookie campaign, before making a one-off appearance in the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup Championship at the end of the season.

In 2017, Frank claimed victory at the season-opening 24 Hours of Dubai event, before taking part in his first season in Formula Renault Eurocup.

He later joined Tech 1 Racing in winter testing, before confirming a full season with them in 2018 as he continued his development in the hugely competitive junior championship.

In his second season in the championship, Frank became a regular points scorer, ending the season strongly and gaining momentum into the 2019 season which started last week with testing at Magny-Cours in France.

The first round of the series takes place at Monza from April 12-14.

Bird said: “I am delighted to have signed for Arden Motorsport in the Formula Renault Eurocup for 2019. It’s going to be a really exciting year with a new car and new team.

“We had a good first test at Magny-Cours, so I know I’ve got a good bunch of people around me which will give me a great opportunity to build on my progress from last year.

“Thanks to everyone who made this possible. I am looking forward to the next test at Paul Ricard.”

Ben Salter, Arden Motorsport Formula Renault Eurocup team manager, said: “We are really pleased that Frank has decided to join Arden for the 2019 Formula Renault Championship. I’m sure, with his experience, he will be a regular front runner and we can challenge from the off.”

Bird has a very busy weekend schedule ahead.

It will see him combine another French test, this time at Paul Ricard, before jetting back to contest the penultimate round of the Motorsport News Circuit Rally Championship with MSVR which takes place with the Tilemaster Adhesives Lee Holland Memorial Rally 2019 at Anglesey on Sunday.