Vergne finds Carlin in FR 3.5 Series

The Frenchman of Red Bull Junior Team will have the opportunity to shine again in 2011, after a 2010 season marked by success. Author in 2010 of 13 victories and 11 pole positions in F3 UK, Jean-Éric Vergne was rewarded for his efforts by Red Bull who subsequently integrated him into the Tech 1 Racingen FR 3.5 Series team, instead of Brendon Hartley who had just been dismissed by the Red Bull during the season.

The Frenchman evolved alongside Daniel Ricciardo, 2010 vice-champion of the FR 3.5 Series, who competed for the title with Mikhail Aleshin. Jean-Éric Vergne was only able to compete in six races, but he managed to win once (at Silverstone) and reach the podium three other times. He is now leaving to join the Carlin team which won the Drivers' title in 2010.

“I am happy to have Carlin back,” commented Jean-Éric Vergne. “We worked very well together this year in F3 UK and I hope that will continue this year in the World Series (by Renault). I think we're going to have a lot of work ahead of us. The team did a good job to win the Championship and I think we will have the right package to win again in 2011."

The Frenchman follows in the footsteps of Jaime Alguersuari and Sebastian Vettel, two Red Bull drivers who moved to Formula Renault 3.5 Series with Carlin. But the task will not be easy for the F3 UK Champion since he should drive alongside Daniel Ricciardo, who is also likely to join the British team.