Buller confirms dual GP3 and European F3 programme with Carlin

Northern Irishman Will Buller has firmed up his plans for 2012 with confirmation that the 19-year-old will launch a dual assault on the GP3 Series and European F3 Championship with the crack Carlin outfit.

Buller impressed during last year's British F3 campaign, scoring three wins for the Fortec squad on his way to fourth in the standings - the only non-Carlin driver amongst the top-six.

In 2012 he will join the Farnham-based team for the 10-round European F3 campaign, which comprises eight F3 Euro Series races and two events from the British championship.

Buller will also contest F1 support category GP3, teaming up with Alex Brundle and Antonio Felix da Costa at Carlin.

“As a driver it was difficult to wait for everything to get sorted, but I'm delighted to be signed with Carlin as they are one of the best teams there is, as their record of championships shows," said Buller following confirmation of his deal.

"I believe the new FIA European F3 Championship will be a major series in the coming years and I really want to try and win it this season. There is a lot of effort going into the programme and its great to be able to count on the support of Carlin, Volkswagen and all my sponsors.”



Scarva-born Buller is also positive about his chances in GP3, the Carlin man having ended up fourth quickest in yesterday's (April 11) Silverstone run.

“I’ve tested the GP3 car a few times over the winter with Carlin and it’s gone very well.

“GP3 is now an established series with great racing, plus it has a lot of commercial and sporting benefits for me as I develop my career. Live TV on the new Sky Sports F1 channel will be good for my sponsors and the opportunity to show the F1 teams what I can do again is a major plus point for me as a driver," added Buller.

Carlin have also confirmed that British F3 regular Carlos Sainz Jr. will join Buller in contesting the European Championship, though his domestic commitments will take precedence in the event of a clash.

Watch GP3 Series highlights and the Pau European F3 Championship event on Motors TV


James Weeks