Top New Zealand driver Nick Cassidy is set for his busiest international season after signing with the frontline Prema Powerteam in the European Formula 3 Championship.

Cassidy, who won the Japanese F3 title with the TOM’s Toyota team last year, expands his association with the squad to a full season tilt after his sound two outings with the team last year that netted podiums at the Nurburgring.

The Euro F3 signing follows the recent announcement that Cassidy will join Lexus in a factory-backed effort in Japan’s Super GT.

Prema team manager Rene Rosin had been convinced Cassidy should join the title-winning team after a test late last year.

“When we had an open seat at the end of last season, I did not have a single doubt about having him in our team,” Rosin said.

“He did a really good job straight away and showed he had the attitude needed to be a part of Prema. That is why we decided to add him to our 2016 line-up”.

Prema fields a four-car line-up that also includes Lance Stroll, Maximilian Günther and rookie Ralf Aron.

“It is going to be a very busy year for me traveling between Europe and Japan,” Cassidy, a double Toyota Racing Series champion, said.

“Ever since my first introduction to the Prema team I felt very welcome, I really enjoy the family atmosphere inside the team.”