Burti signs as Ferrari test driver

The Brazilian, who suffered head injuries in an accident at this year's Belgian GP, will work alongside the world champion team's long-established tester Luca Badoer next year.

The deal looks to have ruled out any chance of Burti returning to racing in Formula 1 in the near future, after being forced to step down from Prost for the final three races of this season as he recovered from his Spa injuries. With the future of Prost Grand Prix uncertain, and only Arrows and Minardi with race seats still open, a test deal with F1's top team is a good option for the 26-year-old.

It will give Burti the chance to work with his close friend Rubens Barrichello, who is heading into his third season with Ferrari. The pair lived together in England when Burti first came over to Europe from Brazil to race in the junior categories.

Following his Spa shunt, Burti cast doubt on ever racing again in F1. Although his injuries were not severe, he suffered a number of large accidents during his first full F1 season, including a terrifying roll at the beginning of the German GP when he was launched over the back of Michael Schumacher's Ferrari.