Enge to sub for injured Burti at Prost

Enge, 25, was confirmed for the Italian GP at a press conference in his native Czech Republic this afternoon. Burti is still recovering from the head and face injuries he sustained in his crash at the Belgian GP just over a week ago.

"This is something I have been dreaming of for the past six or seven years!" said Enge, who impressed during his maiden tests with the team at Magny-Cours last week. "Ten years ago, the situation in the Czech Republic kept us a million miles away from this level of motor racing. Today I am happy and proud to be the first Czech driver in F1.

"I feel sorry that the opportunity to drive in Monza came about because Luciano suffered a terrible accident. I wish him all the best and hope he will soon be back where he belongs. I still can't express how great it is to drive this car. I will try my utmost to reward the confidence Alain Prost puts in me today."

Alain Prost said of Enge: "We have been watching him for a long time and he is one of the drivers we are thinking of for the future. In testing he showed how quick, reliable and professional he is and I'm sure he can do a very good job for the team."

Although Burti is expected to make a full recovery, he is not thought likely to return to racing this year. He was finally released from hospital today (Monday), over a week after his crash in the Belgian GP.

At the moment, Enge has only been confirmed to race at Monza. Ferrari test driver Luca Badoer could still be drafted in for the US and Japanese GPs.

Enge's F1 debut means that he will miss the last F3000 race of the season in Italy, and also the chance to finish a clear second in the championship. He is currently tied for the runner-up spot with Australian Mark Webber. Enge's Nordic Racing team-mate Justin Wilson has already claimed the drivers' title.