Bourdais and Hill snapped up by DAMS

Ex-French F3 champion Bourdais was dumped by Prost's F3000 squad, despite having a year to run on his contract, when its deal with South American media group PSN went through.

"He only became a free agent less than two weeks ago, as everybody, including Sebastien, was under the assumption he was contracted to another team," said team boss Jean-Paul Driot. "When it became clear he wasn't, I didn't hesitate a minute to sign him on."

Bourdais admitted: "For a moment it looked a bit scary for this year, but I am extremely pleased to be part of the DAMS team for 2001."

Its second car will be driven by American Derek Hill, son of 1961 Formula 1 World Champion, Phil. He has been racing in Europe for the past two seasons in Formula Palmer Audi and F3000 Italia.

"I am very pleased to be joining DAMS," said Hill. "They are a very professional team and have a great history in F3000. They have worked with some of the very best drivers. I am sure I will learn a lot from them during the season."

Driot added: "Derek is the up and coming talent in the States, and I am sure he will live up to all the expectations his famous last name incurs. His level of professionalism is immense and I think these two drivers can and will create quite a few surprises throughout the season."

The French outfit is the most successful in F3000, having won 22 races and three titles, in 1990 with Eric Comas, in '93 with Olivier Panis and in '94 with Jean-Christophe Bouillon.