Engel gets fifth Carlin seat

The German finished fifth in the championship in his rookie season last year, and while he had always intended to stay in the series, his place was beginning to look doubtful with the new season drawing closer.

After a strong second half of the season in 2006, Engel will be one of the favourites for the title this year, and he believes that the Carlin package will be the best on the grid.

"It was always my aim to rejoin the team following our successful season last year," he said.

"I know from my experience last year that Carlin is the best in the business, and I believe the combination of Carlin, Mercedes engines, and myself will prove very strong."

Team boss Trevor Carlin is pleased to have Engel returning for a second year, and he is pleased with his five-car driver line-up for the new season.

"Maro is a welcome last-minute addition to the team, and I'm delighted we've managed to get him on board," he said.

"Now in his second year of British F3, I think he'll be a very strong contender this season. With Maro joining the team, I think we have one of our strongest ever driver line-ups."

Engel took one win in his debut season with Carlin at Spa, but he followed that up with eight podiums through the season, and by the end of the year he was a regular contender for victory.