Carlin confirms Teppei Natori for F3

Teppei Natori

Carlin has announced its first driver signing for the 2019 FIA Formula 3 Championship in the form of Honda-backed Teppei Natori as well as a new title sponsor in Buzz.

The Japanese investment firm Buzz will link up with the British team, this will see the signature blue color depart in place of a black and green day-glow livery. This livery was previously seen in the 2018 Macau Grand Prix which was used by Ferrari-backed Callum Ilott in the qualification race.

Natori joins Carlin off the back of a successful campaign in Japanese Formula 4 where he finished as Vice Champion to Yuki Tsunoda, taking three victories, 11 podiums and four pole positions across the 14 race championship.

As a former racing himself, Buzz founder Mr Daisuke Hasegawa created Buzz to support young talented individuals, he said: "When I was racing, I had many companies and people who supported my career.

"I made sure that when I established Buzz this philosophy of supporting young people continued and became a mission of ours.

"I admire what Honda is doing with their young driver program so wanted to help support their drivers and I’ve got a lot of respect for Trevor Carlin’s philosophy and what he’s achieved; I am very proud to be Carlin Buzz Racing for the 2019 season."

"I am very excited to be the part of Carlin Buzz Racing in the FIA Formula 3 Championship," added the Japanese youngster.

"There will be a lot to learn this season, but we will fight hard together for the championship with the aim of becoming an F1 driver in the future."