Reigning champion team Carlin has announced the identity of the third driver signed to join its squad for the 2010 Cooper Tires British Formula 3 International Series. He is 19-year-old Rupert Svendsen-Cook, who brings to the team single-seater experience gained in the Formula BMW Europe series.
Svendsen-Cook will join fellow Briton James Calado, who is backed by the Racing Steps Foundation, and Red Bull racer Jean-Eric Vergne on the Carlin driving strength as the team bids to secure a third successive British F3 championship title.
"I'm delighted to be with Carlin for 2010," said Svendsen-Cook, who finished sixth overall in Formula BMW this season. "Carlin has the best record of any team in British F3, and most importantly I already feel comfortable in the team. The F3 car is a fairly big step up from Formula BMW and is amazing to drive, with so much more grip than I am used to. Testing has gone really well so far and I cannot wait for the season and the racing to get underway."
"We've been very impressed by Rupert's performances in testing," said Carlin race director Trevor Carlin, "and by the way he has gelled with the team. Our British F3 team is really starting to take shape now and it is exciting to think what they may be able to achieve together in 2010."
Carlin confirmed the signing of Red Bull Junior Vergne, 19, last week. The Frenchman was Formula Renault Eurocup vice-champion this season, taking four race wins and a further five podium finishes.
Calado's signing to Carlin marks the third year of the team's relationship with the Racing Steps Foundation, a benevolent foundation established to sponsor and support young British racing talent. James follows in the tracks of Racing Steps Foundation driver Oliver Turvey, who finished second in the 2008 British F3 championship with Carlin before going on to race with the team in Formula Renault 3.5. Calado enjoyed a stunning season in Formula Renault 2.0 UK this year, taking 12 podium finishes including eight race wins to seal second in the championship in one of the most competitive seasons in recent years.
British F3 is sponsored by US tyre manufacturer Cooper Tire and is further supported by insurance specialist AON, by Sunoco Racing Fuels and by Anglo American Oil Company.
