Australian single seater rising star Alex Peroni has secured a wildcard drive in the final round of the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 Championship.

The 16-year-old will head to Portugal’s Estoril circuit next weekend to compete against Europe’s elite junior drivers in the hotly contested series.

Tasmanian-based Peroni has made a name for himself this season by leading the French Monoplace Challenge Formula Renault series.

Following the race weekend, Peroni is set to participate in the Eurocup Rookie test at the circuit as he sets his sights on joining the championship next year.

“This is amazing and unexpected,” said Peroni.

“I didn’t think I’d be racing in Eurocup until 2017 at the earliest, so a wildcard for Estoril this year is a bonus.

“It will be a great learning experience, not just because of the unfamiliar circuit but also the level of competition will be higher than what I’ve faced this year.

“If I can qualify in the top 15 and finish in the top 10 for the round I’ll be more than satisfied.”

The Estoril outing will provide Peroni with plenty of track time ahead of the Monoplace Challenge season finale, which takes place at the Portuguese venue from November 5-6.