Prost signs Mazzacane

Mazzacane left Minardi at the end of last year and looked to be in line for a test deal with the Arrows team after driving for Tom Walkinshaw's team at Silverstone in December. However, the Argentinian has personal backing from the PSN cable network and once the South American TV network announced a deal with the Prost team between Christmas and New Year, Mazzacane was sure to follow.

"Gaston has shown a lot of determination and motivation," said Prost. "He will be a good match for Jean (Alesi) from whom he can learn a lot. I am confident that with the good technical package we have put in place, next season Gaston will be able to show everyone his real potential."

Much speculation surrounded who would fill the second seat at the Guyancourt-based team. A triumvirate of young hopefuls, including Champ Car driver Oriol Servia, Sauber test peddler Enrique Bernoldi and French Formula 3 man Xavier Armant, drove the AP03 at Barcelona before Christmas - but Prost has opted for experience over youth.

Mazzacane spent two years in Formula 3000 before graduating to F1 as Minardi's test driver and then finally moved up into a race seat for 2000. The 25-year-old failed to score any points last year and his highest finish was eighth place at the Nurburgring.

Mazzacane has signed a one-year deal with Prost, with an option for more in the future. It is unsure when he will get his first taste of Prost machinery as the team has yet to confirm when the 2001-spec AP04 will be finished.

Team leader Jean Alesi is expected to shakedown the first completed Ferrari-engined chassis at Magny-Cours next week, weather permitting, but the official launch will not take place until next month.