European Minardi signs Saelens

Saelens comes to European Minardi (formerly the Arrows F3000 squad) from leading outfit Super Nova, with whom he finished sixth in the points last year, although his team mate Nicolas Minassian was the championship runner-up. The 26-year-old has two years of Formula 3000 under his belt, and starred in Formula 3 where he won both the French F3 Championship and ultra-competitive Marlboro Masters in 1998.

"I am delighted to have concluded a deal to drive for Paul Stoddart's European Minardi F3000 team," said Saelens. "I know from watching them at work last year, and visiting the Ledbury factory last December, that they are very competitive and professional in their approach, so there is the potential to aim for podium finishes from the first race of the season."

The Belgian is also well aware of the association that the team will have with Minardi's F1 squad, which was recently acquired by Australian aviation magnate Stoddart, although David has missed out on the testing role to Piccini.

"Another very positive element, of course, is the direct link with the European Minardi F1 team and the possibilities that might offer in the future," added Saelens. "It is a great package and I intend to take full advantage of it."

Saelens was an outside bet for a seat with Minardi's F1 team, which now seems most likely to go to former Sauber, Arrows and Ferrari driver Gianni Morbidelli.