Aleshin was team mate to Wickens in the 2008 World Series by Renault where both drove for Carlin Motorsport. Aleshin ended the year as fifth in the championship with three podium finishes to his credit. Aleshin also brings som A1GP experience to the F2 grid as he did a few races for the Russian team in the 2005-06 season.

Mikhail Aleshin said: “It is great to be competing in F2. The return of the championship has created a lot of excitement and it is great that all the cars are equal. I know Rob Wickens really well and having seen some of the other drivers announced, I know that it is going to be highly competitive. I am confident in my ability however, and feel that I can challenge at the top. I would like to thank Red Bull for their continued support in my career.”

Brendon Hartley will stay with Carlin Motorsport in 2009 but will move to the Formula 3 Euro Series, where he already raced a few races in 2008 for both RC Motorsport and Carlin. The young New Zealander also raced for Carlin in the Macau F3 Grand Prix where he made an amazing final race from the back of the field to end up in third.

The second Red Bull driver to join Carlin is young Australian Daniel Ricciardo. Ricciardo made a few F3 appearances for SG Formula during 2008 but his main challenge was in the Formula Renault 2.0 championships. He managed a total of 14 race wins in the 2 litre Formula Renault’s and became Western European champion and vice-European champion.

Brendon Hartley has not only carried out extensive winter testing for Carlin’s F3 cars he has also combined that duty with tests for the Red Bull Formula 1 team.

Team principal Trevor Carlin added, “Brendon is a very valued and well liked member of the team. He showed stunning pace in British F3 last year and towards the end of the season a new maturity and confidence emerged in his racing which I’m sure we’ll see again in F3 Euro Series in 2009.”

“In British F3 we’ll be joined by Daniel Ricciardo and I’m delighted that Red Bull have entrusted us with one of their most promising young drivers. Daniel has been fantastic so far in testing; he’s been quick, consistent and has gelled really well into the team. 2009 will be his first full year in F3, but I think we can expect some great performances from him.”

During 2008 Chilton claimed two podiums and two pole positions.

Commenting on his plans for next season, Chilton said, “In 2008 my aim was to be amongst the top runners but next year I’m in it to win.  I’m still young but I think I have enough experience to be a serious contender for the title.  It’s all down to me now, I know Carlin have the experience and resources to help me succeed in 2009.”

Team principal Trevor Carlin added, “We’ve been watching Max’s progress for some time and we’ve seen him develop from a young driver still very much in the learning process, to a very talented and quick driver capable of challenging for race wins.  Max showed great potential last year and I think with our help and support he will be a very strong contender in the 2009 championship.  We’ve been very pleased with his performance in winter testing so far and I’m delighted he will be racing with us next year.”