Cheng to lead China next season

The 22-year-old, often known as Franky, raced for the team at six events during the 2006-07 season, and his best result came at Brno when he finished fourth in the sprint race.

Team China seat holder Liu Yu said: "Franky is currently the best driver to represent China in A1GP.

"We also have a plan to improve our technical team, so there will always be a good car ready for him."

Cheng, who is racing in the National class of British Formula Three this year, believes that he will have improved as a driver when he returns to A1GP action.

"This is my first year in British F3, and I'm getting faster and faster in the last few races," he said.

"It is my great honour to be part of A1 Team China again, what I experienced last season made me realise that I must do a better job this year."

China managed to score a podium with GP2-bound Ho-Pin Tung last season, but the team are now targeting their first victory in the series.