Piccini signs for European and nets F1 test role

The European F3000 team is to run alongside Minardi F1, which was bought by European Aviation boss Paul Stoddart three weeks ago. The F3000 outfit has much to live up to, following Mark Webber's competitive third place in the drivers' standings last year.

Piccini will begin his third season in the category after two years with Kid Jensen Racing. The 22-year-old has shown flashes of speed but has thus far failed to score concrete results with his best finish to date a fourth place at Hockenheim last year and a lowly equal 19th in the championship.

"I am very pleased to be driving for the team," said Piccini, "it is a strong, well run organisation that is capable of preparing winning cars. It is also very important for my career that I start preparing for Formula 1, so the opportunity to become test driver is very exciting.

"I intend to use the experience to learn as much as possible, improve my driving, and hopefully help the F1 team to develop its car during the season. It's a great opportunity."

It is unsure who will partner Piccini in the second seat, but Christijan Albers, who drove for the European team last year, is known to still be in favour with Stoddart, despite being overshadowed by Webber. The Dutchman drove an F3000 Lola for the team at a press day last weekend.