Carlin signs American Ryan Tveter for 2015 European Formula 3

The 20-year-old New Yorker is the second American in Carlin's 2015 F3 line-up, where he will join Californian Gustavo Menezes and also Briton George Russell, the 2014 McLaren AUTOSPORT BRDC Award winner.

Tveter did no karting before making his debut in car racing in 2011. His only two full seasons are in the Formula Renault Northern European Cup in 2013 and '14, finishing ninth last season.

He tested with both Carlin and Fortec Motorsport before setting the fourth-quickest time in Carlin's Dallara-Volkswagen on the team's final day at the pre-Christmas Valencia test.

"My first time in the F3 car was with Carlin at the beginning of December," said Tveter.

"I immediately felt very comfortable in the car, and the team's professionalism and experience really helped me to be very quick straight away."

Team boss Trevor Carlin added: "I have to say that we've been very impressed with Ryan's performance so far.

"Not only was his pace very good, but he has a great approach and attitude.

"We believe with Ryan's work ethic and application that he'll be a competitive driver this season, despite being so early in his racing career.

"We had to make tough choices again this year as we were looking at a lot of talented drivers, and only had six seats for FIA F3."