Herck stays in GP2 with Coloni

A regular in GP2 and the sister Asia series since 2008, the 22-year-old will rejoin the team for which he made his category debut in that year's opening round in Dubai.

"I'm very happy to be rejoining the team," the Romanian said. "Having already worked together, it will be easier to re-adapt and start immediately on a high level. Having a new car will add a touch of excitement to this new adventure.

"Our common goal will be to regularly compete for a high championship position, and everyone feels committed to this."

Herck is keen to score his first GP2 victory next year after completing his most successful GP2 season to date and taking his first podium finishes this year.

"In particular," the former Austrian Formula 3 champion continued, "after podiums, pole positions and fastest laps, I promise to my fans to try to obtain the only thing I still miss: my first victory in GP2."

Coloni team director Pablo Coloni was thrilled to announce his new signing.

"We are really happy to have Michael with us for the whole 2011 season," the Italian said. "He is a quick and fully grown-up driver, something that he clearly showed in 2010 [by] racing steadily for the top spots and taking podiums.

"Furthermore, he is very experienced and this will be very useful for the team next year: with the brand-new car everybody will start from scratch.

"I believe that having an experienced driver like Michael with us is an important first step when preparing for a great 2011."

Most of Herck's GP2 career thus far has been spent driving with DPR, which was bought by his family, but the team did not get an entry for next year's championship.