Josh Files ended last season as the most successful TCR driver over the year, accumulating points from four different series in which he claimed two titles, TCR Middle East and retained his TCR Germany crown.

Eastern Daily Press: Josh Files in typical 2017 position -– leading the TCR field, with his Honda Civic, with former Grand Prix racer Gabriele Tarquini giving chase. Picture: Federico Basile/TCR Europe.Josh Files in typical 2017 position -– leading the TCR field, with his Honda Civic, with former Grand Prix racer Gabriele Tarquini giving chase. Picture: Federico Basile/TCR Europe. (Image: FEDERICO BASILE FB Photo-Images)

All three of the Porlingland-based driver's titles have been at the wheel of JAS Motorsport-built Honda Civic cars, the official factory builder, and in recognition of his outstanding achievements he has been signed by the Italian-based team as one of its two 'works' drivers.

'TCR Europe here we come. Can't wait to get going and fighting again for wins on some of the best circuits in the world,' tweeted Files, who will be contesting the seven-round series, in which he finished third last year, although the team, who will be running the Honda Civic has yet to be determined.

'It feels great to know I will be racing in TCR Europe this year with a Honda Civic TCR that I am already familiar with after quite a bit of testing during the winter,' added a delighted Files.

'After winning the German and Middle-East TCR crowns in JAS Honda cars, TCR Europe is a logical next step for me and I know what it takes to win at this level.

Eastern Daily Press: George Russell getting ready for the FIA Formula Two season. Picture: Malcolm Griffiths/FIA Formula 2George Russell getting ready for the FIA Formula Two season. Picture: Malcolm Griffiths/FIA Formula 2 (Image: FIA Formula 2/LAT Imagesweb: www.fiaformula2.com)

'While my team is undecided for the moment, I am sure I will have the machinery and the support necessary to be a major title contender.'

George Russell will be in Bahrain this weekend for the opening round of the FIA Formula Two Championship fresh from a constructive pre-event test in which the Norfolk racer ended up third fastest on the final day of the three-day test.

'It was a productive final day to end pre-season testing, with our programme completed and plenty of data collected for us to learn from going into the season. I am feeling ready for the first race of the season,' confirmed the Mercedes AMG Formula One reserve driver.

Russell will be continuing his successful association with the ART Grand Prix team which took him to a dominate GP3 title last year when the local racer wrapped up the title with a round to spare.

Like the rest of the field Russell, and his ART team-mate Jack Aitken, will have to get to grips with the new F2 car for the 2018 season ensuring a level playing field for all.