Carlin signs Ed Jones for Indy Lights team for 2015 season

The Emirati driver was part of Carlin's F3 line-up this year, and although his season was curtailed by a back injury, he still managed to finish on the podium twice.

Jones said that he has long held an ambition to race in the US, and that Carlin's recently-announced expansion into Lights means that the timing is right.

"I am really excited and thankful for this opportunity to race in Indy Lights," said the 19-year-old.

"I have always seen myself going over to the States for racing at some point and Carlin's choice to participate in the series has made it an ideal time to make the transition a reality.

"There will be a lot to learn for the team and myself especially on the ovals but I am as motivated as ever to make it a success with the aim of making it to IndyCar now clearly in sight."

Team owner Trevor Carlin said that he is confident Jones can make an immediate impact in the US.

"We are beyond delighted that Ed will be making this journey to Indy Lights with us," he said.

"He's shown pace and determination this season in F3, and is a joy to work with.

"It is a great start to our Indy Lights campaign that we are able to take one of our existing drivers to the US, and I've no doubt that Ed has the ability to be competitive from the outset."

Prior to his move into the F3 European Championship, Jones was the 2013 Euro F3 Open champion, and has also been a frontrunner in Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup.

His only previous experience in the US was his participation in the Florida Winter Series at the start of this year.