The FIA has rejected Carlin’s application to run reigning Formula E champion Nelson Piquet Jr at this weekend’s Formula 3 Pau Grand Prix.
The Brazilian driver last competed in Formula 3 back in 2004, having since gone on to race in GP2, Formula 1, the FIA World Endurance Championship and Formula E.
He claimed the Formula E crown for the 2014/2015 season and remains in the all-electric series with the NEXTEV TCR team.
The FIA felt that Carlin running Piquet in the FIA European Formula 3 Championship round would “contravene the spirit of the championship”.
Stefano Domenicali, the FIA’s single seater commission president, said: “We cannot deny that we were pleased that a driver with the talent and the achievements of Nelson Piquet Jr has expressed a desire to race in a round of the FIA F3 European Championship at a prestigious circuit such as Pau.
“However, we must keep in mind the spirit of the Championship – as one of the primary steps on the ladder to F1. Therefore, we decided that we could not accept the application presented by Carlin.
“This season the FIA introduced new eligibility criteria with the specific intent to define the characteristics of the FIA F3 European Championship more precisely. Today’s decision is a logical consequence of these measures.”
Carlin said it was “hugely disappointed” with the news that the application had been rejected, after it was initially confirmed by the FIA and entry payment accepted.
