GP3 champion Alex Lynn will step up to the GP2 Series in 2015 with significant support from Pirelli.

The 21-year-old, a member of the Red Bull Junior Team programme, will receive a 200,000 Euros career progression incentive from Pirelli as his prize for capturing the GP3 title last season. He has used the financial boost to help secure a drive with the French DAMS squad, which guided Jolyon Palmer to the 2014 GP2 title on Pirelli tyres.

DAMS, founded in 1989 by Jean-Paul Driot, is one of the most respected teams competing at sub-Formula One level. It has also signed Pierre Gasly as Lynn's team-mate for 2015 when both drivers will be expected to challenge for the coveted title, won in the past by Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

"We are delighted that Alex Lynn has made the logical progression from GP3 champion to GP2 contender with Pirelli," said Paul Hembery. "His performances in 2014 underlined his potential and we are excited by the prospect of watching him take the next step of his career using Pirelli tyres, and pleased that we have been able to make a valuable contribution to his racing campaign for 2015."

Lynn described the Pirelli backing as "significant", adding: "It's obviously a nice help and alongside my sponsorship it's an important step. It's also good that you can get help to go from GP3 into GP2."

The first of two pre-season GP2 tests takes place at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi from March 9, which is where the Briton made his F1 debut last year when he tok part in the final day of testing with Lotus.