Motorsport: Keohane signs for Carlin motorsport

From his debut season in the Formula 3 Scholarship Class and following a very successful test with Carlin Motorsport, Michael Keohane has signed for the top British Formula 3 Championship team.

Keohane is one of three drivers that will drive for Carlin Motorsport in next season British F3 Championship.

Regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Irish motorsport, the move to the Aldershot-based team is hugely significant for the Clonakilty racer.

Carlin Motorsport were impressive winners of this season's Green Flag British Formula 3 Championship with Takuma Sato and Anthony Davidson winning a total of 18 of the 24 championship races.

Sato clinched the series with Davidson completing a Carlin Motorsport 1-2.

Both are now on their way to Formula 1 - Sato with Jordan in 2002 and Davidson, the reserve driver for BAR.

A delighted Michael Keohane commented: "I'm absolutely thrilled. Carlin Motorsport is the top team and this is the move I wanted.

"The last few days were very agonising as the final details were being hammered out. Because they are such a class outfit, I know there were several other drivers in contention for the seat, but I'm thrilled to get such a good drive.

"The British F3 is one of the toughest championships in the world and I'm certainly looking forward to it."

Meanwhile, Trevor Carlin commented: "There were a number of things to be taken into consideration - personalities, driving skills, budgets, it is a complete package.

"Michael fits the criteria perfectly, he's a nice guy and I saw his true ability in the test at Pembrey - he was the fastest driver we tested."

The Carlin Motorsport trio of Keohane, James Courtney and Alan van der Merwe will begin preparations for the 2002 season in a few weeks time.

The team will test at Pembrey, Rockingham, Oulton Park, Donington Park and other circuits during December.