Nikita Mazepin and Josef Kaufmann Racing will bid for Formula Renault North European Cup (NEC) glory together in 2015. 

Since drawing the curtain down on his stellar karting career, the reigning KF vice-World Champion has conducted a comprehensive programme of testing and racing in readiness for his maiden full season in cars. 

Nikita said: “I’m very excited to be working with JKR. The team’s palmares is fantastic and it has a proven record of taking talented drivers forward with their career. Naturally, I want my name to become part of Kaufmann’s legacy of success and I really do believe they will give me everything I need to help me fulfil that goal.”

The 15-year old Russian has made a successful transition from kart to cars, having scored a number of podiums in the AsiaCup Series. Continuing his development and preparation for his maiden assault on the NEC title, Mazepin will contest the Toyota Racing Series, in New Zealand, with ETEC Motorsport.

Nikita added “I see the Toyota Championship as an important part of my pre-season build-up. A lot of the guys I’ll be racing against will be there, so it’s a good opportunity for me to measure myself against them and see how far I’ve progressed and what needs to be done ahead of the NEC getting underway.” 

The opening race of the five-round series takes place at Ruapuna Park, Christchurch, from 14th January.

You can follow Nikita’s progress in the Toyota Racing Series and Formula Renault Northern European Cup at www.nikitamazepin.com and via the championships’ own websites: www.toyota.co.nz/racing/ and www.necup.com