Fisichella linked to Coloni

Strong rumours in the paddock at Paul Ricard, where GP2 is currently holding its final test session of the year, suggest that an announcement of a joint venture between Fisichella and Coloni is imminent.

Team principal Paolo Coloni was tight-lipped on the subject, stating: "We are in the process of making a programme to be as strong as we can be for next year.

"We are in negotiations with somebody in particular, and I'm quite pleased with the package we are going to have and the performance we already have here with Luca Filippi," he told autosport.com.

"We will make an announcement about the new package soon, and we are looking forward to the new season."

The announcement is expected to confirm that Fisichella and personal manager Enrico Zanarini will be buying into the team.

The move will pump some much needed resources into the team, allowing for an expansion in personnel and equipment at the team's base in Perugia.

It will also open a direct line into Formula One - Zanarini is a well-respected manager who previously managed Eddie Irvine as well as Fisichella, whose ties to Renault will be invaluable for the team.

The move will also strengthen Coloni's long discussed stairway to Formula One, whereby a driver can move up from the soon to renamed Formula 3000 International, which will run at a number of European tracks in 2006 as well as the existing Italian championship, to compete in GP2 and then have strong contacts in the Formula One paddock.

An announcement on the deal is likely to be made at the Bologna Car Show, on December 10.