Teo Martin Motorsport signs Kanamaru for F3.5 2016

Kanamaru, 21, did three rounds in F3.5's Renault-backed predecessor in 2015 with Pons, posting a best finish of sixth - and has race wins to his name in Formula Renault 2.0 NEC and Euroformula Open.

"First of all, I want to thank Teo for giving me this opportunity," Kanamaru said. "This championship will not be easy, sure, but I only see a bright future and the potential of this team.

"I will give my best to win some races and I hope to contribute to the beginning of this new chapter."

Kanamaru's team switch is likely to have been influenced by ex-F1 driver Emilio de Villota, who ran him in Euroformula Open and served as Pons' team manager before announcing a move to Teo Martin.

"We are delighted to have Yu in the team for the start of this season's Formula V8 3.5," said team owner Martin. "He did a good job in his debut in the World Series last year.

"He is a fast and talented young driver who has already shown his skills with these cars, so I'm sure he can contribute a lot in this 2016."

The newcomer squad, which has made a name for itself in GT racing, took over DAMS' entry for the 2016 F3.5 season.