Jousse signs up for Formula 2

The Frenchman finished second to Giedo van der Garde in this season's Renault championship and is the first driver with international race-winning pedigree to declare his commitment to F2 for 2009.

Jousse had recently tested for GP2 teams Fisichella Motor Sport and Trident Racing, but decided on F2 and has his eye on the prize Formula 1 test with Williams.

"I ran over several options, such as GP2 or moving to Japan and becoming a professional Formula Nippon and Super GT racer, but in the end I chose F2 because of the possibility to receive an F1 test, with Williams, which I came close to achieving this year with Renault," said Jousse.

"I also think that bringing the F2 name back to the sport as a stepping stone for F1 is a major decision and I am looking forward to testing this new Williams-designed Formula 2 car."

Jousse is also keen to try his hand at sportscars this year and hopes to add a Le Mans 24 Hours drive to his season's campaign.

"My aim is to be racing in the Le Mans 24 Hours at the wheel of an LMP1, LMP2 or GT1 car," he added. "I'm also considering Le Mans Series opportunities, but we haven't signed anything yet."