Ed Jones, who for Carlin in the 2014 FIA Formula 3 European Championship, will rejoin the team to compete in the 2015 Indy Lights Presented by Cooper Tires season.

Jones, 19, of Dubai, is the first driver announced for Carlin’s new Indy Lights program. He previously drove in the U.S. in the 2014 Florida Winter Series, recording eight podiums, one pole position and three fastest laps.

Jones earned two podium finishes at Hockenheim in the second race on the FIA F3 calendar before suffering a back injury in May. He returned to racing in August to grab two six-place finishes at the Red Bull Ring.

He posted six victories and 10 podiums overall in winning the 2013 Euro F3 Open Championship. Jones also reached the podium in Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup in 2013 in a busy season that also saw him take third in the British F3 standings.

“I am really excited and thankful for this opportunity to race in Indy Lights,” Jones said. “I have always seen myself going over to the States for racing at some point and Carlin’s choice to participate in the series has made it an ideal time to make the transition a reality.

“There will be a lot to learn for the team and myself especially on the ovals but I am as motivated as ever to make it a success with the aim of making it to IndyCar now clearly in sight.”

The initial full-scale Indy Lights test is scheduled for Jan. 27-28 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The season opens March 27-29 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Fla., in conjunction with the Verizon IndyCar Series opener.

“We are beyond delighted that Ed will be making this journey to Indy Lights with us,” team owner Trevor Carlin said. “He’s shown pace and determination this season in F3 and is a joy to work with. It is a great start to our Indy Lights campaign that we are able to take one of our existing drivers to the U.S and I’ve no doubt that Ed has the ability to be competitive from the outset.”