It’s always interesting to keep an eye on which drivers are rated by Hampshire-based Carlin Motorsport, as that team numbers among its current personnel Jaime Alguersuari, Brendon Hartley and Oliver Turvey plus a number of graduates who went on to F1.
And the good news is that another young Brit is about to get a chance to shine.
In December Carlin announced that 17-year-old Max Chilton will race for the team in next year’s British F3 International Series. Last year Carlin took a clean sweep of the top three positions in the championship.
It will be Chilton’s third season of single-seater racing and will leave the teenager in with a shot of beating Alguersuari’s record of becoming the youngest British F3 champion ever.
Chilton, who raced for Hitech in British F3 International last season and came 10th with 72 points, is the brother of 23-year-old BTCC driver Tom Chilton.
He said: “In 2008 my aim was to be amongst the top runners but next year I’m in it to win.
“I’m still young but I think I have enough experience to be a serious contender for the title. It’s all down to me now, I know Carlin have the experience and resources to help me succeed in 2009.”
Team principal Trevor Carlin added: “We’ve been watching Max’s progress for some time and seen him develop from a young driver still very much in the learning process, to a very talented and quick driver capable of challenging for race wins.
“Max showed great potential last year and I think with our help and support he will be a very strong contender in the 2009 championship.
“We’ve been very pleased with his performance in winter testing so far and I’m delighted he will be racing with us next year.”