F3: Carlin eyes Euroformula Open campaign

Top European single-seater operation Carlin is eyeing an expansion into the Spanish-promoted Euroformula Open series.

Euroformula, which has previously been called Spanish F3 and then European F3 Open, uses the current-generation Dallara chassis with spec Toyota engines. A cap of four cars per team has been announced for next season's F3 European Championship, and this will leave Carlin with equipment sitting idle.

"Euroformula is a possibility. We've got seven cars plus a spare tub," team boss Trevor Carlin confirmed. "For some people it's a big jump to European F3 now, but Euroformula is cheaper, runs on good circuits and is as close as you can get to a European F3 car, so why not?"

The series' existing front-running British squad, Team West-Tec, said that the entry of a team such as Carlin would put more attention on a series that is under the radar to many.

West-Tec boss John Miller, whose team ran Carlin Indy Lights driver Ed Jones to the 2013 title, said: "It's a perfect grounding: the same chassis, a paddle-shift, good circuits, lots of seat time, and a spec engine to keep the costs down. The job's a good 'un!

"The level in the championship's pretty good – look at Ed, and Alex Palou, who didn't even win it last year. There's a long list of drivers who aren't necessarily F1 superstars, but who've gone on to do really good things."

Originally on Autosport.com