Magnussen replaces Maldonadoposted in F101 | 02 | 2016

DANE KEVIN MAGNUSSEN (pictured) will return to Formula One racing this season after completing a deal to drive for the newly reliveried Renault team.

The deal, which sees the 23-year-old former McLaren racer replace Pastor Maldonado, will be confirmed on Wednesday when Renault unveils opts 2016 car in Paris. Magnussen will partner English F1 rookie Jolyon Palmer.

For Magnussen, the deal brings an end to what had evolved into a troubled time at McLaren, culminating in him losing his role as reserve driver when the Woking team opted for Stoffel Vandoorne to support Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button.

Maldonado, meanwhile, finds himself without at F1 seat for the first time in five seasons. His removal at Renault was triggered by a dispute over payments and the way forward between long-time sponsor PDVSA, Venezuela's state-owned oil and gas company, and the French car giant.

The pre-season action gets underway in three weeks with the first test at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona.

Related: Renault hints at RS Alpine

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Jim McGill