Sam Bird will switch from GP2 to Formula Renault 3.5 for 2012, joining front-running team ISR.
The Briton, who finished sixth in GP2 last year, moves to the team which took current Toro Rosso Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo to two victories in 2011.
"I'm extremely pleased about this opportunity to drive for ISR in World Series by Renault," said Bird, who retains his links to the Mercedes Formula 1 team as well for this season. "[Renault 3.5] is a great championship in which numerous Formula 1 drivers have shone in the past, and this year's field seems to be particularly competitive. ISR has a proven track record and I am really looking forward to joining forces with them."
Team boss Igor Salaquarda hopes that a lineup of Bird and America's Jake Rosenzweig will help land ISR its first title in the Renault-backed category.
"I am very happy to have Sam in my team," he said. "He has experience of both Formula 1 and GP2 and I feel confident that his talent will help us on the way to more success. We will do our maximum to prepare the best cars and dearly hope to win our first championship."