By alley - Feb 12, 2015, 3:01 AM ET

Red Bull places British karter in F3

British teenager Callum Illot will move straight from karts to the Formula 3 European Championship with Carlin as part of the Red Bull junior scheme this year.

The 16-year-old won last year's CIK-FIA European KF karting title and has carried out a comprehensive F3 test program with Carlin during the winter, beginning when he was still 15. He made his car racing debut in the Toyota Racing Series in New Zealand, where his best results so far are a fourth place finish at Hampton Downs and a front-row start at Taupo.

"Being in the Red Bull Junior Team is a privilege, you just have to look at the history of the drivers that have gone before," said Ilott. "Last season was very good for me so I was hoping for a good start in cars but I didn't imagine that I would get this opportunity.

"The step up is quite something, I have a lot to learn but I have already had a very good start with a few F3 tests with Carlin and a couple of tests in a Renault 2.0 before coming out to New Zealand for the Toyota Series."

Ilott believes his TRS mileage will help shortcut the learning curve he will face in F3.

"There are a lot of experienced people around me to learn from and it gets better every time I go out," he said. "This is my first open wheel race series and I am trying to learn as quickly as possible.

"I think it will be a good preparation for F3. This car has less downforce and a bit less power but it is close enough to help. For this year I want to make a good impression, show my speed early and keep improving."

Illot is the fifth driver to be announced for what is expected to be a six-car Carlin entry in European F3.

Trevor Carlin's team has retained race winner Antonio Giovinazzi, who will also be joined by America's Ryan Tveter (who has graduated from Formula Renault Eurocup), BRDC Formula 4 champion George Russell and second-year European F3 driver Gustavo Menezes.

"While Callum will be on a steep learning curve, we fully expect him to show a rapid rate of development as the season progresses," said Carlin. "We'd like to thank Dr [Helmut] Marko for entrusting us yet again with one of his young proteges."

Toro Rosso Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen started the trend for karters to move straight into F3 last season, and his former team Van Amersfoort has already signed Italian karter Alessio Lorandi for 2015.

European F3 lineup so far

Prema Powerteam: Jake Dennis, Lance Stroll, Brandon Maisano*

Carlin: Gustavo Menezes, George Russell, Ryan Tveter, Antonio Giovinazzi, Callum Illot

Van Amersfoort Racing: Alessio Lorandi, Charles Leclerc

Mucke Motorsport: Michele Beretta, Mikkel Jensen, Santino Ferrucci*

Team West-Tec: TBA

Fortec Motorsport: TBA

EuroInternational: TBA

Double R Racing: Nicolas Pohler, Matt Solomon

T-Sport: TBA

Motopark: Sam MacLeod

Signature: Alexander Albon, Dorian Boccolacci