Ferrari academy driver Giuliano Alesi is returning to Trident for the 2017 GP3 Series season to partner Kevin Joerg.

The news means that Scuderia becomes the seventh Formula 1 organisation to have connections with a driver on the GP3 grid, joining Haas, Honda, Mercedes, Red Bull, Renault and Sauber in having young talent racing.

Alesi made his series debut during the 2016 campaign, racing 20 times for the Italian team. His best result came with a 10th-place finish in the Belgian feature race, his only points haul on his way to 22nd place in the Drivers’ Championship.

It was one of two 10th-place finishes, the other in the Abu Dhabi sprint race, as he finished as Trident’s lowest-placed driver in the standings last season.

The French racer believes that his existing relationships with team members and being settled will help him prepare for another season in the category in 2017.

“We worked really well during my debut year as I merged with the team and fitted well within their work method,” he said.

“I established great chemistry with the technical staff, the mechanics and the management.

“We are still working with huge determination and we know exactly where to restart from in our preparation steps for the season ahead.

“My goal is to continue growing up professionally and become a constant feature among the frontrunners. I believe that is continuity will give me an edge in terms of the championship.”

Alesi and Joerg will be joined by Dorian Boccolacci and Ryan Tveter for the first pre-season test in Estoril on March 22-23 as Trident continues planning for the campaign ahead.