Renault Australia has thrown its support behind rising Australian single seater driver Alex Peroni.

The French firm will sponsor the 17-year-old Tasmanian who is currently turning heads in the hotly contested Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup series, which has cultivated F1 stars Daniel Ricciardo and Lewis Hamilton.

After winning the French VdeV Formula Renault Monoplace series last year, the teenager has joined the renowned UK based Fortec Motorsport operation for the next step on the ladder towards Formula 1.

Peroni has impressed this season by scoring a maiden victory on the streets of Pau, France in May helping the young Australian to seventh in the standings.

“Alex Peroni is one of the rising stars to watch,” said Justin Hocevar, Renault Australia Managing Director.

“Alex can’t even drive on public roads in his home town of Hobart, Tasmania, as he is only 17-years-old, yet has already posted his first pole position and won his first race in the Eurocup on the streets of Pau, France, in late May.

“This was his first podium and first race win in the Eurocup and a great achievement during his first year in the series.

“We are excited to support him this year and look forward to many more podiums and wins.”

Peroni is grateful of the support as he looks to continue his campaign which visits Germany’s Nurburgring this weekend.

“It is really appreciated. There is no way I could compete in this series without my sponsors and help from my team,” said Peroni.

“The field for this year’s Eurocup is really competitive, with some of the highest rated young drivers competing.

“It’s fantastic to know that other people believe in me and are prepared to support me in the series.

“I will continue to give it my very best and proudly represent Australia and my fantastic sponsors.

“I will be back home in late July, early August for a couple of weeks during the mid-season break and look forward to catching up with as many people as possible.”