Carlin adds BRDC Formula 4 program

Open-wheel racing powerhouse Carlin will enter the new BRDC Formula 4 Championship next season. The team, which competes in Indy Lights, GP2, GP3, the Formula 3 European Championship and rebranded Formula 3.5 V8, has ordered three of the new Tatuus-Cosworth F4 cars.

The deal marks an expansion of Carlin's UK racing programs. It already competes in the MSA Formula Championship, and boss Trevor Carlin said he saw BRDC F4 as an ideal next step for aspiring drivers.

"We know it's important to go where drivers want to race, and the new 2016 MSV F4 car has created real interest among young drivers," said Carlin. "We know how important it is for young drivers to prepare for the incredibly competitive FIA F3 European Championship and GP3 Series and we believe that BRDC F4 will be a very useful step in that process.

"The series provides a large amount of track time in a good car and it will equip drivers well for the future. We will be working hard to make sure we arrive to our first race as well prepared as possible and will announce our drivers soon."

Carlin will contest the full championship in 2016, but skip next month's Autumn Trophy contest, the competitive debut of the new 230hp Tatuus-Cosworth cars.

The team won this year's inaugural MSA Formula title with Lando Norris, and expanded to America this year, fielding two cars in Indy Lights. It joins fellow ex-British F3 outfits Double R and Fortec in BRDC F4 next season.

"Carlin is renowned as one of the most successful single-seater teams in world motorsport, and they clearly recognise the new Tatuus-Cosworth car as a perfect stepping-stone for drivers," BRDC F4 founder Jonathan Palmer said. "The championship can help prepare drivers from Carlin's MSA Formula team for a move into FIA F3 at an affordable budget."

Originally on Autosport.com