Will Stevens (Photo Credit: Renault Sport)
Formula Renault 2.0 race winner Will Stevens will join reining champions Carlin to complete their Formula Renault 3.5 line up for 2012.
The 20 year-old Brit, previously backed by Honda and Brawn, joins already announced driver Kevin Magnussen who has completed several successful tests for the team.
Stevens finished the final day of 2011 FR3.5 testing quickest in Motorland, Aragon.
In signing with Carlin for FR3.5 next year, Stevens will stay within the World Series by Renault fraternity, having competed in the competitive Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup this year.
The Surrey born racer took four podiums, including a race win and three pole positions on his way to a very solid fourth place in the championship standings this season.
Stevens has already proven he is a rising talent through his performances in Formula Renault.
The BRDC Rising Star competed in just two FR2.0 Eurocup races in 2010, taking a second place on his debut at the Hungaroring.
Stevens finished fourth in his full time race programme in Formula Renault 2.0 UK in the same year, racking up two wins, seven podiums and one pole position.
While assessing his options for next season, Stevens impressed many with his performance in the recent official FR3.5 tests in Motorland, Spain, topping the timesheets in the final test of the 2011 season.
Stevens said: “I'm really excited to be with the championship winning team next year.
“I really enjoyed my experience in the FR3.5 car in the official tests last month, which confirmed to me that the series needed to be my aim in 2012.
“I've since visited Carlin and seen first hand the facilities the team have in their new factory.
“I believe signing with Carlin will give me the best possible chance to challenge for race wins from the outset and I can't wait to get in new car for the first time next year.”
Trevor Carlin said: “Will is a driver who has been on our radar for quite some time.
“I've watched first hand his performances in FR2.0 and seen him on the podium many times at World Series weekends.
“His performance at the recent FR3.5 tests confirmed to us that he was more than ready to make the step up to the next level.
“With both Will and Kevin confirmed we have a very young and exciting driver line-up for the 2012 season.
“Despite their rookie status, their potential should not be underestimated.”
