Perera: DAMS the best choice

Perera was confirmed this morning as part of Toyota's Young Driver Programme for the sixth consecutive season, and DAMS have since announced that he will join them in their GP2 squad this year.

The 21 year-old says he is looking forward to working with a French team, instead of the Italian teams he has been used to driving for. Perera drove for Prema Powerteam in the F3 Euroseries last season.

Perera said: "GP2 is the last step before F1 and DAMS was the best choice for me. They have a great history in motorsport, the team is very competitive and, I look forward to racing with a French team again after so many years with Italian teams, dating right back to my kart days!

"The test in Paul Ricard this winter has been very important in preparing me for 2006. The result was good, we improved throughout the entire day and we instantly managed to be amongst the quickest guys of 2005. But the most important thing is that the relation between the team and me is perfect.

"I would also like to convey my pleasure at staying on the Toyota Young Drivers' Programme in 2006. They gave me the choice of team for this year and for me there was absolutely no doubt in my mind. DAMS were also quick to decide to work with me.

"When I tested with DAMS in the winter [teammate] Ferdinando Monfardini was there too and he is a nice guy, our relation during this day was friendly and I think it is also very important to feel good with my teammate."