Valerio completes Carlin line-up

The Brazilian joined the series last year as the reigning South American F3 champion, but he often struggled as his championship-winning team Cesario F3 had also made the switch, and the team struggled to adapt to the British-style circuits.

Valerio had tested with GP2 and World Series by Renault teams over the winter, but he has opted for a second season in F3 with former champions Carlin.

"It's great that I've been able to get a deal with Carlin," he said. "The team have such a strong history in F3, and they are traditionally the team to beat."

Valerio believes that the team will be even stronger this year, now that they have switched to the championship-winning Mercedes engine.

"I think the new engines will help the team," he said. "Carlin did a great job with Honda last year, but in F3 every little difference counts and I think the Mercedes will give us the edge."

Team boss Trevor Carlin added: "Alberto did a great job last season, despite having little or no experience of the British F3 tracks, with a new team and no team mate.

"Having used last season to learn the circuits, I think we will see his true potential this year."

Valerio joins Sam Bird, Niall Breen and Mario Moraes in the Carlin line-up for 2007.