Lauda joins GP2

Mathias Lauda, the son of former world champion Niki, has decided against making the switch to Champ Car racing and instead has signed for Coloni to race in the new GP2 series this year.

The Austrian, who will be team-mate to former grand prix driver Gianmaria Bruni, worked with Coloni last year when he raced for its sister team CMS in the International Formula 3000 Championship.

Speaking about his move, Lauda said: "I'm extremely excited and thankful to Coloni for their decision to go with me again this year. I am confident we will be front runners from the outset and I look forward to a successful year”.

Team boss Paolo Coloni added: "I'm delighted about the opportunity to work with Mathias again for the second consecutive year: I believe he will be extremely valuable to our team this year as our past experience of working with a driver for a second season has always provided excellent results.”

Lauda's arrival in the GP2 series means that he is the third son of a former world champion to race in the category. He joins Nelson Piquet Jr. and Nico Rosberg, the son of 1982 champ Keke.