Will Stevens completes Carlin's FR3.5 line-up

The 20-year-old sampled FR3.5 with his regular Eurocup team Fortec at Barcelona in October, before topping 2011's final day of testing at Motorland in November at the wheel of P1 Motorsport machinery.

"I'm really excited to be with the championship winning team next season," said the Surrey racer. "I really enjoyed my experience in the FR3.5 car in the official tests last month, which confirmed to me that FR3.5 needed to be my aim in 2012.

"I've since visited Carlin and seen first hand the facilities the team has in their new factory. I believe signing with Carlin will give me the best possible chance to challenge for race wins from the outset and I can't wait to get in new car for the first time next year."

Stevens, who finished fourth in his maiden season of Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup this season, will join British Formula 3 graduate Kevin Magnussen to form an all-rookie line-up.

Carlin team boss Trevor Carlin was bullish about his pairing.

"Will is a driver who has been on our radar for quite some time. His performance at the recent FR3.5 tests confirmed to us that he was more than ready to make the step up to the next level.

"With both Will and Kevin confirmed we have a very young and exciting driver line-up for the 2012 season. Despite their rookie status, their potential next season should not be underestimated."

The FR3.5 teams will take delivery of the new generation car in the New Year, with the first official test of the season taking place at Paul Ricard from 13-14 March.