Pirtek Racing’s rising star Jamie Caroline will return to the F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford for the 2017 season after agreeing terms on a deal to join front-running outfit Carlin.

Jamie emerged as one of the stars of the 2016 campaign at the wheel of his distinctively liveried Pirtek Racing-backed car, with a series of eye catching performances on track that made light of his relative lack of single-seater experience.

The talented 18-year-old grabbed headlines throughout his first season in open wheel competition, which culminated in a break-through victory on Finals Day at Brands Hatch.

In total, Jamie secured five podium finishes en-route to tenth in the championship standings, with stunning drives in the wet at both Donington Park and Rockingham attracting interest from around the world having gone viral online.

On the back of his 2016 campaign – and an outing in the BRDC British F3 Winter Series - Jamie took time to evaluate his options for the new season before electing to return to British F4 with his sights firmly set on securing the championship crown.

With continued backing from Pirtek UK, Jamie will now join the Carlin team that has secured the title for the past two seasons with Lando Norris and Max Fewtrell.

Jamie has shown front-running pace during a number of test sessions with his new team in recent weeks as discussions about a potential drive continued, with a deal having been agreed that sees him complete Carlin’s four-strong line-up for the year ahead.

“I’m really pleased to have agreed a deal to join Carlin for this season,” he said, “and the aim is to help them challenge for the title for a third year in a row. I wanted to return to British F4 this season to fight for the championship, and I’m sure that joining Carlin gives me the best chance to do that.

“Testing has gone well so far and it hasn’t taken long for me to get back up to speed in the car, so I’m confident that when we go to Brands Hatch to start the season, the Carlin-run Pirtek Racing car will be right on the pace, as it was during our recent test there.

“There’s no doubt that it’s going to be very close on track again this season and from testing so far, there’s probably half a dozen drivers who can fight for the championship. But I’m ready for the season ahead and can’t wait to get started.”

The 2017 season will be Jamie’s third running in Pirtek Racing colours, with Pirtek UK marketing manager Tammie Argent-Peters pleased to confirm the continued support for the talented teenager.

“There’s no doubt that Jamie is a spectacular driver on track who has a lot of support, and he has provided us with some brilliant coverage in the last few years,” she said. “His new deal with Carlin gives him a fantastic chance to build on his results from last year and to fight for the title; something he has certainly shown he is capable of with his pace in pre-season testing.

“With Andrew Jordan’s deal with West Surrey Racing and BMW in the BTCC, it promises to be an exciting year for Pirtek Racing on two fronts, and we are looking forward to seeing both of our drivers running at the front this year.

“It’s also fantastic for our many guests and fans to confirm our continued support for two drivers, as it means they get even more entertainment and value from their trackside experience.”

Jamie’s British F4 campaign will kick off at Brands Hatch on the first weekend in April.