Oakes completes Carlin line-up.

Carlin has confirmed that Oliver Oakes will complete its driver line-up for the 2009 British F3 International Series season.

Oakes, who raced for the team in the 2006 Formula BMW UK Championship, will join the previously announced trio of Henry Arundel, Max Chilton and Daniel Ricciardo in a strong four-man line-up as the team seeks to retain the title claimed by Jaime Alguersuari in 2008.

Despite only taking part in selected events last year, Oakes impressed many with his pace in the F3 series and took pole position for the season finale at Donington Park running with Team Eurotek. Following that, he then joined Carlin for a first taste of the F3 Euroseries at Hockenheim during the final meeting of the year.

"I'm very excited to be joining Carlin for the 2009 British F3 season," he said. "I really enjoyed my time with the team in 2006, and we've maintained a very good relationship since then.

"Carlin remains the team to beat in British F3 and with such strong team mates I know the standard within the team will be high. 2008 was a chance to get used to the F3 car and the series, but I'll be challenging for race wins from the start this year."

Team principal Trevor Carlin said he was pleased to welcome Oakes back into the Carlin fold, with the driver already having a place in team history after securing its 100th race win during his BMW campaign.

"Oliver is a long standing friend of the team and we've been watching his progress keenly since he drove for us in Formula BMW," he said. "I believe with some hard work and consistency, Oli could be a real contender in 2009. He scored his first ever win in formula racing with us in 2006, which was also the team's 100th ever win, and we hope he plays a significant part in the team's future successes."