British racer Stevens lands Carlin Formula Renault 3.5 seat

Will Stevens will join reining champions Carlin for an assault on the Formula Renault 3.5 title in 2012.

The 20-year-old Brit contested the supporting Eurocup series this season, scoring one race win on his way to an impressive fourth in the standings. He will now step-up to compete for Carlin, who have taken the last two 3.5 titles thanks to Mikhail Aleshin and Robert Wickens.

“I’m really excited to be with the championship winning team next year," said Stevens.  "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.” 
 
Team boss Trevor Carlin added: “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. 

Stevens joins 2011 British F3 runner-up Kevin Magnussen at the team.

Watch Formula Renault 3.5 highlights on Motors TV


James Weeks