Rigon replaces Valles at Trident

The 22-year-old Italian, who has a Euroseries 3000 title to his name and also helped Chinese football club Beijing Guoan take the inaugural Superleague Formula crown last year, will partner Frankie Provenzano at the Losail circuit.

And he hopes to convince Trident to keep him on for the Main GP2 championship, which begins in May.

"I'm really honoured to have this new opportunity," Rigon said. "First, this deal will finally get me back in an open-wheel car after more than two months while, second, the agreement with Trident Racing will enable me to get in touch with the team that I hope to partner during the GP2 main series in 2009.

"I tested [the FMS] GP2 Dallara back in November 2007, and I remember it was a really light and reactive car, which I really enjoyed to drive. I'll have to build the feeling back but, since I'm feeling really fit and focused, I think it will be a natural process."

Rigon is looking forward to the event, which will stage GP2's first night race, and will be able to use the 'after dark' experience he gained while winning the GT2 class at last year's Spa 24 Hours, to help him.

"I'll find a totally unknown track at Qatar, but the difficulties will be balanced by the fascinating night atmosphere, which will be also new to everybody," the Italian added.

"I really respect the GP2 field, which features several true top-class drivers, and I don't know what to expect in terms of results, but the primary goal for this race will be to create a strong relationship with the team - and avoid making mistakes."