The Belgian racer will be the third F3 debutant at the Nurburgring, as Sacha Fenestraz and Petru Florescu will also race at the German track with Carlin and Motopark respectively.

Defourny was one of the closest rivals of Lando Norris in Eurocup FR2.0 in 2016, eventually finishing third behind the Briton and Dorian Boccolacci.

He stayed in the series for another year, but has been unable to mount a title challenge in 2017, as he is currently fourth in the standings, 67 points adrift.

Defourny will fill the fourth car of Van Amersfoort Racing, which has been empty since David Beckmann left the Dutch team for Motopark.

"Of course I am really happy to be here this weekend and have the opportunity to drive at the Nurburgring with Van Amersfoort Racing," Defourny said.

"We will obviously do our best on both sides to get the best out of it and see what it holds up for the future. Of course a big thanks to the team.”

With the addition of Defourny, Fenestraz and Florescu, the F3 grid will be up to 22 cars at the Nurburgring.