Diniz set to switch to Prost from Sauber

Diniz has spent two years with Peter Sauber's Swiss team and has been assessing his 2001 options for some time. The Brazilian's final decision swayed in favour of Alain Prost's team upon hearing that the French outfit had secured a supply of the same customer Ferrari engine as Sauber for 2001.

"The problem with Sauber is that it is not progressing," said Diniz at the United States Grand Prix. "The Prost-Ferrari deal makes a big difference and I believe in Alain."

Prost's deal for a year's supply of Maranello engines is thought to cost in the region of £17 million and after the recent announcement of Gauloise withdrawing from F1 - the team's title sponsor - Prost will welcome the reputed £5 million Diniz will bring to the team.

Four-time World Champion Prost would not confirm that Diniz had been signed for next year but did suggest a paying driver was expected. "I am expecting a driver who can fit into a sponsor's strategy," he said.

It is thought that fellow Brazilian Ricardo Zonta will move from BAR-Honda to replace Diniz at Sauber.