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Formula Renault 3.5 is likely to link up with the GT Open championship for much of its 2016 calendar, focusing on the sportscar series' rounds on Formula 1 circuits.

A draft calendar for the series - now run by RPM after Renault stepped back to a technical partner role only - is currently taking shape, with GT Open's Monza event likely to be the season-opener.

It is also set to join GT Open at Silverstone, the Red Bull Ring, Spa-Francorchamps and for a season finale at Barcelona.

Discussions are understood to be advanced to race with the World Endurance Championship at the Nurburgring and the World Touring Car Championship at the Hungaroring.

FR3.5 could also support either GT Open or the WTCC for a round at Paul Ricard.

A proposal to join the WTCC at Moscow Raceway was rejected over concerns about costs in the event of car problems at the Russian circuit.

Due to a firm contract with the Aragon government, FR3.5 will race at the Motorland track on April 15/16, where it will rejoin its former World Series by Renault stablemates the FR2.0 Eurocup and RS01 Trophy.

A third round in Spain at Jerez also remains a possibility.

End of season testing this year will take place at Jerez and Aragon as planned in October and November, including the prize test for rookies and junior series champions.

A tyre contract with Michelin is also understood to be secured for 2016.