Bruni joins Coloni for Euro series

The Italian plans to go for the title in his first year racing in the category, and then step up to the team's F3000 International Championship squad in 2003.

The Euro F3000 series kicks off at Vallelunga this weekend and has a good reputation for showcasing talent. Sauber Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa won the title last year and used it as a springboard to Grand Prix racing.

"The Euro F3000 series is a valuable step in my racing career and to be doing it with the Coloni Motorsport team is very special," said Bruni, who won a single race in F3 last year.

Team boss Paolo Coloni rates his new driver highly, particularly after he impressed in tests with the outfit late last year. "To finally have him drive for Coloni Motorsport is something I have been working on for a while - and it's a promise I have kept to myself," he said.

"I know his potential - I have seen itr before, as have others. Racing in the British F3 series did not show a true mark of his ability."

Bruni joins Raffaele Giammaria in the squad.