Vergne to race in Britain with Carlin

The 19-year-old Frenchman finished second in the Formula Renault Eurocup this year, and had been expected to graduate to Formula Renault 3.5 after topping a number of official test days earlier this month.

However, he has instead signed to race alongside James Calado in British F3, and is aiming to repeat the feats of fellow Red Bull-backed drivers Jaime Alguersuari and Daniel Ricciardo by taking the title in his maiden season.

"My aim is, quite simply, to win," said Vergne. "I feel that with good preparation - which has already begun - and a competitive car, I'll be able to take the fight to the best right from the start.

"F3 is a turning point in a driver's career as it's where you can make a real impact. Jaime Alguersuari and Daniel Ricciardo, both Red Bull drivers, have won the title in this category in the past. Good things happen in threes as the saying goes, and I hope to prove this in 2010!"

Vergne had his maiden test with Carlin at Brands Hatch on Tuesday.