Force India test driver Nikita Maz﷽epin has kept his place in the Hitech GP team fold for a second FIA European Formula 3 campaign.

The Russian te✤enager 𒁃ended a difficult rookie Euro F3 season 20th in the overall drivers' standings with just four points finishes to his name.

Mazepin hit the headlines when he was handed a one-race ban in Hungary for a 'physical altercation' in the Hungaroring paddock but both the tꦺeam🤡 and the 17-year-old were able to move on after the incident.

Despite a tricky rookie year Mazepin is relishing the prospect of building on that experience toꦿ launch himself up the Euro F3 grid in 2017.

"I had a good first season in Formula 3", Mazepin said. "Of course, it was a steep learning curve as it was only my se🏅cond full season in car racing.

"I managed to show at certain points, particul🍷arly Spa, Paul Ricard and Hockenheim, where I had my first rookie podium, that I have the potential to make the step up next year to fight at the front. This is the target."

Mazepin drove for Force India at the second F1 in-season test at Silverstone last July but iꦜt is not yet known whether the Russian driver will be retained in the team's junior💖 programme for next year.

Mazepin joins alongside the already-announced Ralf Aron, who has switched from Prema to HitechGP for 2017, with the British team's third driver expec🦩ted to be announced in the coming weeks.