FARNHAM-based motor racing team Carlin will add the EuroFormula Open Championship to its programme for 2016.

Carlin will enter the eight-round championship, which races within Europe on Formula One rated circuits, together with the three-race winter series which kicks off the season’s racing this month.

The EuroFormula is an exciting prospect for the Farnham team which has Formula 3 as its cornerstone.

First named Spanish F3, the championship was rebranded European F3 Open before racing under its current name of EuroFormula Open.

While the regulation Dallara F312 is a familiar car with which Carlin has enjoyed much success, the EuroFormula Open cars use Michelin tyres and Toyota-based engines provided by the championship organisers.

For many drivers, the Euro Formula provides the first opportunity to race in a Formula Three car. The championship is an excellent stepping-stone for drivers making a step-up from Formula Four or FR2.0.

Team boss Trevor Carlin said: “We’re extremely pleased to be entering the EuroFormula Open this season. It’s a championship that prides itself on being cost effective, while maintaining a competitive package in this current climate.”

Carlin has recruited British teenager Max Fewtrell to race in the 2016 MSA Formula Championship. The 16-year-old joins the reigning champions for his first season in car racing after an impressive karting career.

Fewtrell joins already announced drivers James Pull and Devlin DeFrancesco at the Carlin team.

Carlin has also signed Neil Alberico to compete in the 2016 Indy Lights Series presented by Cooper Tires. The 23-year-old American will continue his career on the Mazda Road to Indy after finishing the 2015 season as Pro Mazda vice-champion. Carlin’s other Indy Lights drivers are Ed Jones and Felix Serralles.