Engel happy to be title favourite

The German driver was only confirmed for a second year with Carlin Motorsport last month, but despite a lack of pre-season testing mileage, he believes that he can fight for the title in 2007.

"The fact that other people have placed me as one of the favourites is good in a way, as it credits the work we did last year," said Engel, who finished fifth in the standings in his rookie season.

The four drivers that finished above the 21-year-old in the championship last year have all moved on in the series, and Engel believes that by staying with Carlin he has the best possible chance to go for the title.

"I feel that the team that has the biggest chance of winning the championship is Carlin," he said. "That's why it was an easy decision to stay with them this season.

"Any driver who has driven for Carlin would feel the same as I did. I was really pleased with how the team worked last year."

Engel scored one victory during his debut season, but he believes that Carlin's switch to Mercedes engines will enable the team to score a fourth title this year.

"Mercedes is the strongest engine at the moment, and I'm really pleased to be driving for a Mercedes-powered team.

"To win the championship you have to have the best package, and I believe the Mercedes/Carlin package is the best combination out there."

The British F3 season gets underway this weekend at Oulton Park.