F3: Tveter back with Carlin for 2016

Ryan Tveter, one of only a handful of Americans competing in the FIA's open-wheel ladder series, will return in one of the Carlin team's Dallara-VW entries for a second season in the European Formula 3 Championship in 2016, the team confirmed Wednesday.

As a rookie this year with the British-based Carlin squad – whose alumni now make up a third of the current F1 field – Tveter's highest finish was a ninth. He qualified in the top 10 multiple times.

Tveter finished seventh in the Zandvoort Masters of Formula 3 Invitational in September. He also competed in the Macau Grand Prix in China in November, where he was one of only a handful of drivers to have purple/quickest sector times. He also got the opportunity to test a Formula E car this season.

"A development year in FIA F3 is always tough, but I don't think we've ever seen such a competitive season with as many serious incidents as 2015," said team boss Trevor Carlin. "Ryan was on pace, with some very close qualifying sessions and some spectacular starts during the season, and he did an excellent job of pushing forward.

"He managed continuous improvement despite some major setbacks, and showed the grit and professionalism we expect from drivers at this level. We are extremely happy to welcome Ryan back for 2016 and expect his results to match the potential he demonstrated throughout the year."

"My rookie year in FIA F3 was only my third full season in any kind of motorsport, so I'm very excited to continue to work with Carlin, Volkswagen and Dallara for a second season of FIA F3 in 2016," said Tveter, 21, of Oyster Bay, N.Y.

"I learned a huge amount this year, and often there were only a couple tenths separating me and my teammate, Antonio [Giovinazzi], who was this year's vice champion. Finding those last few tenths is a combination of hard and soft skills that comes with experience and letting the car do its work – not overdriving. I'm probably most happy with the progress we've made in that respect.

"Carlin and I have built a strong foundation together, and that's been showing in winter testing, where I've been consistently at the front. I'm really looking forward to next season and the continuity of a second year with a great team."