Toccacelo to Race for Team Italia

Last year's F3000 runner-up became Minardi's Friday tester at the Turkish Grand Prix and was also with the team at Monza and Spa. However, after financial problems, Toccacelo decided to take up the offer of racing for the Team Ghinzani-run outfit this weekend.

The Italian team are a late entry into the World Cup of Motorsport and have yet to complete any testing mileage. However, Toccacelo is hopeful that the three hours of free practice scheduled will be enough to get up to speed before qualifying.

Toccacelo told Autosport-Atlas: "I'm going to Brands today for a seat fitting and I will race the car this weekend.

"We had some problems with Minardi for Brazil and I was given the opportunity to race so I took it. It has all come together at the last minute. I know I'll be behind in track time for the car, but I think it will be similar to F3000.

"I have never driven Brands Hatch but I went to the Champ Car race there in 2003. Paddock Hill Bend will be quite a corner."

Toccacelo's A1 GP deal is just for this weekend, and he is hopeful that he will resume third driver duties with Minardi for the Far-East double header in Japan and China.

He added: "I will see how this weekend goes before I decided whether I will do more A1 Grand Prix races. I hope to go to Japan and China with Minardi. We still have to work things out."