Elmbridge race ace Sam Bird will join front-running World Series by Renault team I.S.R. for an assault on the 2012 championship title.

Bird, a GP2 race winner, will continue his duties with the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team in Brackley and during the F1 race weekends.

Team I.S.R. have recent history with F1 reserve drivers, having last year run Daniel Ricciardo, who has now graduated to a Formula One race seat at Toro Rosso.

The Prague-based team have enjoyed much success since entering the World Series by Renault Championship two years ago, having finished vice-champions in 2010 and third in 2011 in the Team Championship, having won multiple races along the way, including Monaco last season.

I.S.R team boss Igor Salaquarda said: “I am very happy to have Sam in my team. He has experience of both Formula One 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 for both our drivers and dearly hope to win our first World Series by Renault Championship title with them.”

Bird added: “I am extremely pleased about this opportunity to drive for I.S.R. in World Series by Renault.

World Series is a great Championship in which numerous Formula One drivers have shone in the past, and this year’s field seems to be particularly competitive.

"I.S.R. have a proven track record and I am really looking forward to joining forces with them.”