FARNHAM-based Carlin have announced they will be entering a three-car team into the BRDC Formula 4 Championship next year.

The Formula 4 Championship has been a staple of the British motorsport scene since its inaugural season in 2013 and the introduction of a brand-new generation chassis mean that the 2016 season will be the perfect opportunity for Carlin to join this highly competitive formula.

New for the 2016 season will be the Tatuus-Cosworth MSV F4-016 with a chassis designed and developed in order to bridge the gap between the first step of single-seaters to Formula Three and the GP3 Series.

The car will feature a fully carbon-fibre chassis and a four-cylinder normally aspirated Cosworth engine producing 230bhp at 8000rpm, while remaining on Pirelli tyres. The MSV F4-016 will also have more downforce than its predecessor.

Carlin have committed to running three cars in Formula 4, while also remaining focused on their existing FIA-sanctioned MSA Formula Team. The move strengthens the team’s commitment to junior motorsport and makes the ladder to the upper echelons of the sport even more accessible for young drivers looking to advance in their careers.

Having enjoyed success and won the inaugural MSA Formula Championship, Carlin now look to replicate that race-winning form on their arrival into the 2016 BRDC Formula 4 Championship.

Racing director Trevor Carlin said: “We know it’s important to go where the drivers want to race and the new MSV F4 car has created real interest amongst young drivers. We also know how important it is for young drivers to prepare for the incredibly competitive FIA F3 European Championship and GP3 Series and we believe that the Formula 4 Championship is a very useful step in that process.

“Providing a large amount of track time in a good car in a well-run championship will equip drivers well for the future. We will be working hard to make sure we arrive at our first race as well prepared as possible and look forward to announcing our drivers soon.”