Morelli replaces Mikola at Astromega

Mikola began his second season in F3000 this year after a lacklustre debut in 2000. The 21-year-old has failed to shine so far this year and much-needed sponsorship has been slow to materialise. Morelli will take over for the next round of the series at the A1-Rimg next weekend.

"I'm disappointed we couldn't see out the whole season with the crew we started with," said Astromega team boss Sam Boyle, "but the money was late and there was no sign when it would arrive. I rang Dino up to see what he was up to and said there was a possibility.

"It just so happened that he had found a budget. I think he's very good. He's had some unfortunate luck and has never been with one team for a sustained length of time. It will take him time but he should score points."

Morelli is no stranger to Formula 3000, but has not competed in the category since a massive accident at the Nurburgring while driving for the Ecurie Lauger team, when he broke both his legs. The Irishman has not driven for several months and competed in two races with the WRT team in Austria and Germany last year.

"It's been six or seven months since I've been in a car," said Morelli, "but I'm fitter than I was a couple of years ago. I've been hoping a sportscar deal was going to come off, but it didn't happen. I've been seriously pissed off with the whole thing. Then Sam called."

Morelli almost signed with Astromega twice before, but the deal fell through on both occasions. In 1998 a lack of sponsorship scuppered any chances of a deal and he was due to replace Fabrice Walfisch the following year, but was overlooked in favour of F3000 race-winner Marc Goosens. Morelli sees this as a perfect opportunity.

"Once we knew the drive was on," he said, "we were able to sort it out. This is my big chance. I haven't had a fair crack since 1997."

Morelli will line up alongside last year's German Formula 3 Champion Giorgio Pantano.