Habsburg joins Carlin for 2017 European F3 campaign

Habsburg spent the last two years competing in Formula Renault 2.0 cars, the Austrian driver of royal heritage taking 10th in the Eurocup series last year.

In addition, he also raced in Euroformula Open and was runner-up to champion Leonardo Pulcini.

Habsburg also has tested the F3 car during the season and attended the Macau Grand Prix with his old team Fortec but couldn't finish the main race.

"I’m extremely excited about the upcoming season, especially after a really good year in F3 Open - so coming off the back of that gives me a lot of confidence for a competitive season with Carlin," said Habsburg, who also will return for his third Toyota Racing Series season at the beginning of 2017.

"FIA F3 is the next step for us and I think that a good winter test schedule, as well as racing in New Zealand, will mean that we’re looking strong from the start.

"Carlin has a great history in Formula 3 so we’ll be going into the season working well together with a great package; everything is looking very positive for 2017."

Team boss Trevor Carlin added: "I’m absolutely delighted to welcome Ferdinand to the team for 2017.

"We’ve seen first hand Ferdinand’s raw speed and race craft in Euroformula Open where he has been a very tough opponent.

"Less than two weeks after our victory in Macau, the focus within the team now is very much on 2017.

"To have everything finalised with Ferdinand so early on will allow us to make the best possible preparations for the season ahead. We’re looking forward to helping Ferdinand reach his potential in the coming months."

Habsburg is the first driver to join Carlin's F3 squad next year.

After helping Antonio Giovinazzi to second place in 2015, Carlin endured a difficult 2016 campaign with none of its drivers contesting the full season.

Zhi Cong Li was injured in an accident with teammate Ryan Tveter and pulled out of the series in May, with Tveter and Alessio Lorandi then both skipping the last three rounds.

The team returned for the season finale with the British trio of Jake Hughes, Lando Norris and Dan Ticktum.

It also entered the Macau Grand Prix and was victorious with Antonio Felix da Costa.