Bruni and Gurney team up at Fortec

Gianmaria, known in the F3 paddock as 'Gimmi', finished fifth in last year's series and climbed on to the podium in the end-of-season Korean Grand Prix. Fortec has switched to Sodemo-tuned Renault engines for 2001, which is seen as an attempt to forge a link with the French manufacturer that is keen to create a ladder from F3, via F3000, to its F1 team, Benetton.

"I am very happy to be rejoining Fortec," said Bruni. "I got on well last season, and feel very at home with the team. I am glad to be running Renault engines again, as we had great success together in Formula Campus and Formula Renault. Between Fortec, Renault and Sodemo we all share the same ambition - to win!"

The Daventry-based team has also signed Alex Gurney, the son of racing legend Dan and a front runner in the US Formula Toyota Atlantic series. This will be his first season of racing in Europe.

"Gimmi is a very special young driver who we think will be able to push for race wins and the title," said Fortec team manager David Hayle. "Alex is new to Europe and F3, but after an impressive test with him, I feel he will learn the formula and the English tracks quickly and push hard for podiums."