Webber confirmed at Minardi

The 25-year-old, who finished second in the FIA Formula 3000 International series last year, has bagged one of the final F1 seats for 2002 alongside Malaysia's Alex Yoong after two impressive tests with the Anglo-Italian team in the last three weeks.

"Entering Formula 1 is obviously a fantastic stage of my career," said Webber. "It's what the last seven years has been all about. Now the hard work begins. To start this new chapter with someone like [team boss] Paul [Stoddart], who I have worked with in the past [in F3000], is a fantastic opportunity. I can't wait to get underway."

Stoddart, who took over the Minardi team at the start of last year, has said for the last few weeks that he was waiting until the fate of the ailing Prost team was known, before deciding on his second driver.

With the French squad being put into liquidation earlier today (Monday), Heinz-Harald Frentzen is expected to move to Arrows for 2002 and Stoddart has plumped for Webber. The Australian air magnate was delighted.

"Last year arriving in Melbourne was a proud and emotional moment for all of us," he said. "With two great competitors in Mark and Alex joining us we'll feel doubly proud this year. It's a different Minardi - better prepared in all respects. We firmly believe the team is on course to take its first important step up the F1 grid."

With Frentzen set to take the final F1 seat for 2002 at Arrows, Dutchman Jos Verstappen will be left without a drive.