Vaidyanathan stays in Euroformula Open with Carlin for 2017 season

The news comes a few days after a successful pre-season test in Barcelona, where the Indian finished first and second over the course of the two days.

“I’m looking forward to being back with Carlin for the 2017 season and racing in the Euroformula Open Championship again,” Vaidyanathan said.

“It’s a really great platform with fantastic tracks throughout the year so I can’t wait to be back out there.

“Last year was a bit of a learning season for me to get to grips with the car and we had some strong results as the season came to a close.

“Pre-season testing last week went well and we know that we have the speed in the car so I’m looking forward to the next test at Paul Ricard where we can build on everything we’ve been doing up until now.”

Vaidyanathan finished 15th in his rookie campaign last season, with a best result of fifth at the curtain-closing round in Barcelona.

He also took part in several rounds of the BRDC British Formula 3 season, scoring a podium finish in Rockingham.

For 2017, Vaidyanathan is continuing his ties with Carlin, with team boss Trevor Carlin expecting the 20-year-old to build on his 2016 performance.

“It’s fantastic to have Ameya back with us for a second season, he showed us real commitment and strong results last season.

"We know that he can take everything he’s learnt and continue with his great form to become a consistent protagonist over the course of the upcoming year,’’ Trevor said.

“He’s already been racing in New Zealand this year and making sure that he keeps sharp which has definitely shown with his great pre-season form in Barcelona – where he was no doubt one to watch.

“We’re looking forward to continuing our relationship, enjoying strong races and seeing fantastic results from Ameya this season,” he added.

Vaidyanathan begun his preparation for the new season by taking part in the New Zealand-based Toyota Racing Series (TRS), where he finished 16th in the championship scoring 353 points.

He will rack up further mileage in EF Open’s Dallara F312 during the test sessions at Paul Ricard and Jerez, before the season gets underway in Estoril on the weekend of April 29-30.

The Indian joins the already announced Canadian driver Devlin DeFrancesco in the Surrey-based team.