Renault has confirmed Jolyon Palmer will be retained at the team for the 2017 Formula One season.
After much speculation surrounding his future, Palmer will take the sole remaining seat at the French manufacturer and join the recently-announced Nico Hulkenberg in completing the team's driver line-up for next season.
Palmer, who scored his first F1 point at October's Malaysian Grand Prix, said: "I'm over the moon to be racing with Renault Sport Formula One Team for a second season and I can't wait to reward the team's faith in me on track. Having worked out of Enstone since 2015 I can fully appreciate the development of the infrastructure this year.
"This means I share the excitement of the team looking to 2017 and our new car. For me, it's been a steep learning curve driving in Formula 1 and I know that I am performing better than ever, and that there's still more to come. There is tremendous drive and enthusiasm in Enstone and Viry looking to next year and I am honoured to be part of this."
The confirmation of Palmer for a second season at Renault opens the door for Kevin Magnussen's likely move to Haas for next year. The Dane has reportedly signed a two-year deal with the American outfit, after rejecting Renault's one-year offer.
The news also puts an end to speculation linking Esteban Ocon with a drive at the Enstone-based team for 2017. Instead, the Frenchman, who has spent the second half of 2016 at Manor, is rumoured to be closing in on a drive with Force India, replacing the Renault-bound Hulkenberg.
Jérôme Stoll, Renault Sport Racing chairman, added: "We are confident that the combination of Jolyon and Nico Hülkenberg offers a very promising driving force to meet our goals. Jolyon understands the team's spirit and motivates everyone he works with. The line-up of Jolyon and Nico harnesses the benefits of continuity and fresh blood.
"I am sure that having Nico as a team-mate will help push Jolyon to greater achievements. We thank Kevin Magnussen for his efforts in 2016 as he has done a great job for us this year. We wish him all the best for 2017 and beyond."
If the expected deals involving Magnussen and Ocon go ahead, it will leave just vacancies at Sauber and Manor to fill for next year.