The 22-year-old Briton raced for DAMS in GP3 this year, finishing eighth overall after taking wins at Hockenheim and Abu Dhabi.

He then joined Carlin for the final round of the FIA F3 series at Hockenheim, claiming a podium finish in the third race, before finishing sixth in his maiden Macau Grand Prix appearance with the same team.

However, instead of staying with Carlin, Hughes joins Hitech alongside the already-announced Ralf Aron and Nikita Mazepin after testing for the squad on multiple occasions.

“I’m extremely happy to be racing with Hitech GP in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship in 2017," said Hughes. "I’ve loved every minute in the car during testing and get on so well with all of the guys in the team, we all work really well together.

"I have always rated F3 highly – clearly, you get a lot of track time and also the opportunity to put yourself in front of a lot of influential people.

“For me, even though it’ll be my first full season in FIA F3, and you never stop learning, I have a good feel for the car and how competitive we could be.

"I will be up against several very strong second year drivers and championship-winning teams, but will do my utmost to be a contender.”

Hitech team principal Oliver Oakes added: “We are extremely pleased to have signed Jake for next season. He’s a driver who has impressed us, not just in his one-off appearances in F3 but also the job he has done in GP3 this year.

“Jake has fitted in really well with the team over the winter tests we’ve completed and I am looking forward to us challenging for honours in 2017.

"He’s clearly a very capable, adaptable and quick young driver and will be one to watch for sure next season in FIA F3.”

2017 European F3 line-up so far: