Tagliani wins Player's seat for 2000

The Toyota Atlantic veteran will team up with Patrick Carpentier, having completed a successful test earlier this month.

Tagliani, who won the seat ahead of Lee Bentham and David Empringham, will replace Greg Moore, who is leaving to join the Penske team next season.

'I've gone through all sorts of emotions in the last few weeks, and even though it seemed like I was waiting forever, the wait was sure worth it,' said 27-year-old Tagliani.

'The Player's Racing programme is unique in the history of motor racing and I'm very proud to be a part of it.

'Being selected to join the Player's CART team is an expression of the confidence that Player's management has in me and I intend to do everything I can to prove that they made the right choice.'

Tagliani moves from the Atlantic series, where he finished fourth in 1999 championship.

He finished the season three points Andrew Bordin in the season standings, and his campaign included victories at Long Beach, Vancouver and Montreal.

Vice president of operations for Player's CART team, Nick Micklewright, said, 'His technical knowledge, combined with his physical ability and his driving style make him a first-rate candidate for any team that's looking for a rookie driver who can excel in such a competitive series.

'Alexandre has all the attributes to be able to do very well and it's up to us to create an environment that will be conductive to his personal and professional development.'

Carpentier, who has raced for the Player's/Forsythe outfit for the last two seasons, has resigned a three-year contract.