McLaren sign Stoffel Vandoorne to young driver programme

McLaren have signed 20-year-old Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne to their young driver programme.

Vandoorne, who won last year's Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 Championship in 2012, will this season compete in the Formula Renault 3.5 Championship with the Fortec motorsports team.

Vandoorne, described by McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh as "able and ambitious", said: "McLaren is one of the greatest names in global motorsport.

"To be a part of the McLaren young driver programme is an honour and a privilege which I fully intend to do my very best to maximise in terms of both learning and results for years to come."

PA