Carlin sign Valerio for British F3

Former South American F3 champion Albert Valerio has signed with championship winning team Carlin Motorsport for the 2007 British F3 season. It will be the Brazilian’s second year in the championship, after finishing 11th in his maiden season in 2006. Valerio completed his first full season in single-seater racing in 2003 in Brazilian Formula Renault. In 2004, he moved up to South American F3, finishing his debut season in sixth place. In 2005, Valerio defeated all competition to become South American F3 Champion.

Having conquered F3 in his native South America, Valerio made the jump to Europe to compete in the British F3 championship with his South American championship winning team Cesario F3. For both the team and the driver, 2006 was a steep learning curve, on circuits that neither Valerio nor the team had any experience of. Despite this, the Brazilian impressed many in his competitive maiden season, the highlight of which being a third place at Mugello.

A rising talent, Valerio completed two GP2 tests late last year, and also raced in the Barcelona round of the World Series by Renault championship, for the EuroInternational team.

Commenting on signing to Carlin, Valerio said, “It’s great that I’ve been able to get a deal with Carlin for this season. The team have such a strong history in F3; they are traditionally the team to beat. I hope we form a great partnership and get some good results this season. I think the new Mercedes engines will help the team. Carlin did a great job with Honda last year, but in F3, every little difference counts and I think the Mercedes engines will give us the edge".

Team Principal Trevor Carlin added, “Its great news that Alberto will be joining us this year. He did a great job last season, despite having little or no experience of the British F3 tracks, a new team and no team-mate. Having used last season to learn the circuits, I think we will see Alberto’s true potential this year. He joins a very strong line-up and the team are looking forward to seeing how the drivers perform at our first test on 19th February."

Carlin will take to the track with Mercedes engines for the first time on Monday 19th February at the Pembrey circuit in Wales. The team have won three championships with Honda power but will make the switch to Mercedes for the 2007 season.