Karting champ Norris joins Carlin for MSA Formula

World karting champion Lando Norris has joined top British team Carlin for his debut single-seater season in MSA Formula.

Norris clinched the CIK-FIA World KF crown in France earlier this year after stepping up to karting's senior class at just 14 years old, and also finished third in the European championship. The former junior world karting champion, now 15, also made his car racing debut in the Ginetta Junior Championship this season, finishing third with four wins.

Norris is the first 15-year-old to be confirmed for the series, which replaces British Formula Ford on the British Touring Car Championship package, and is the first driver confirmed for the new series by single-seater powerhouse Carlin.

"I'm really excited to be driving with Carlin next year," said Norris, who has also been testing in Formula Renault 2.0 with a variety of teams. "They are a great team with a brilliant history and I can't wait to get going."

Team boss Trevor Carlin said the youngster's signing was a coup for his team and the championship.

"Lando is an amazing young talent and has huge potential," he said. "We're delighted to have him in the team and look forward to helping him reach his goals next season.

"It's a testament to the MSA in making the championship eligible to 15 year-olds that we're able to keep talent like Lando in the UK at the start of his single-seater career."

MSA Formula teams are expected to take the first delivery of their Mygale-Fords later this month, with the French constructor confirming that the initial batch of FIA Formula-specification chassis will be completed shortly.