Piccione, Pla confirmed at DPR

On the back of plans to expand the team's engineering department, both drivers are confident about their prospects for the new season.

"I'm really happy to be joining DPR," said Piccione. "They showed they have a lot of potential to succeed during the 2005 season.

"I have great trust in David Price and I think we will do a great job all together. Olivier will be a good team mate; we know each other already, and it's our second year in GP2, and I think this is a really key point to make us push each other to achieve the best results."

Pla, who raced for DPR last year, added: "I think it's a big advantage to know the team so well, to know how professional they are. I will continue with my same engineer, Chris Gorne, who has been having a lot of success over the winter in A1GP, and that gives me great confidence.

"Last year we were quite unlucky many times, and missed out on good results, but this year we have no reason not to perform. I know we can do a good job."