Japanese driver Kotaro Sakurai will move into GP3 this year with the Status team. Sakurai, who won the British Formula 3 National Class title in 2011, tested for Status both in winter 2010 and again after his F3 campaign last year.
Team boss Teddy Yip said: "Status GP has been involved in Kotaro's development as a driver over the past 18 months, and watched him mature and grow as a driver. It's a great pleasure to welcome him into the team on a full-time basis in the GP3 Series this season, and his dedication and determination to succeed aligned to his natural ability will see him progress through the season on the F1 stage."
The 17-year-old joins GP3 returnee Marlon Stockinger in the Status lineup.
The team took Canada's Robert Wickens to second in the inaugural GP3 championship in 2010, and was a race winner with Alexander Sims last year.