Stoneman moves to FR3.5 with DAMS

The GP3 runner-up will join McLaren protege Nyck de Vries, who was confirmed at the French squad at the end of last year.

Stoneman moves to FR3.5 after losing out to Alex Lynn to the GP3 championship despite an impressive season with five victories despite switching teams near the end of the year.

"Joining such a fantastic team as DAMS, the reigning double champion in Formula Renault 3.5, is a fantastic opportunity," said Stoneman, a testicular cancer survivor.

"I would never have imagined it at the same time last year.

Back to his best after surviving cancer

"So this year is the one in which I really have to make my mark," he added. "I'm back where I was four years ago before my illness. In fact, I'm much better placed thanks to the backing from Red Bull, and I'm in the best team in the championship.

"I'm going to give it my best shot, fight for places in the top five or the top three in the opening races and then for victory as soon as possible. We're going to be up against some very tough rivals, but I've got great confidence in the team and I'm ready to fight at the front."

DAMS: The top team in the formula

DAMS has won the team's and drivers' titles for the past two years.

"After our four titles in the last two seasons we must remain humble given the quality of our rivals, but we must not lower our sights," said team boss Jean-Paul Driot.

"This is why I'm delighted to welcome Nyck and Dean to DAMS this year. They are both very talented drivers with very different career paths; they have considerable experience so they will really be a top-class duo.

"It's also very satisfying to see that prestigious teams like McLaren and Red Bull continue to entrust DAMS with their budding champions. Thus, we've got the right weapons to enjoy a really great season in 2015 and defend our titles."