Brundle makes GP3 move

The 21-year-old is the son of ex-Formula One driver and Sky Sports F1 HD commentator Martin Brundle.

He raced in Formula 2 last season, picking up three podiums and one pole position on was way to seventh in the championship.

Brundle will step up to F1 support series GP3 this year which will be screened live on Sky Sports F1 HD. The series follows the F1 calendar around Europe, meaning the Norfolk driver will get experience of legendary circuits such as Monaco, Spa, Monza and Silverstone.

He told Carlin's official website: "I am thrilled to be competing in the GP3 Series in 2012. I was keen to move onto the F1 stage this year and I would like to thank the Carlin team for offering me a fantastic opportunity to do that.

"The GP3 Series also fits well with my commitments to Nissan in the European Le Mans Series allowing me to continue my development in single seater racing. I would like to thank my sponsors GAC, Richard Mille and Liberty IU for their continued support which allows me to compete at this high level in international motorsport.

"The work we have done so far has already given me an understanding of why the Carlin team are so successful and I feel very confident for the season ahead."

Racing Director Trevor Carlin added, "We're delighted to welcome Alex to our team for the 2012 season. GP3 is an extremely competitive series and a level playing field where driver talent can really make a difference.

"Having seen Alex race early on in his career in British F3, I'm sure that he will be a great asset to Carlin. Even at this early stage the team have been impressed with his maturity and work ethic and I'm sure we'll see some great racing from him this season."

Brundle will also make his Le Mans debut this year alongside his father driving a Greaves Motorsport-run Zytke-Nissan LMP2.