Mazzacane signs with Prost.

One of the winter's worst kept secrets was confirmed today, when Prost Grand Prix signed Gaston Mazzacane to partner Jean Alesi in 2001.

Widely expected following the decision of his sponsor PanAmerican Sports Network [PSN] to transfer its allegiance from Minardi to Prost before Christmas, Mazzacane's arrival at Guyancourt was confirmed early today [Wednesday].

The Argentine struggled in his debut season with Minardi last year, but was not helped by general unfamiliarity with many of the circuits, and the fact that the Italian minnow was having to run with outdated Ford engines. The decision to switch to Prost comes in spite of Mazzacane's claims that he would not have minded remaining with Minardi in 2001, but follows a test outing with Arrows and the promise of similar sessions with Prost.

The French team is bound to attract some derision for plumping for a pay-driver to partner Alesi - who has already sung the praises of both his younger French compatriots Jonathan Cochet and Stephane Sarrazin and Brazilian hopeful Enrique Bernoldi - but team boss Alain Prost believes that the former F3000 and sportscar driver has not yet shown what he is capable of in F1.

"Gaston has shown a lot of determination and motivation," Prost reasoned, "and we are happy that he joins the team at a time we consider to be a new start for Prost Grand Prix. He is in top physical condition and eager to prove himself. He will be a good match for Jean, from whom he can learn a lot. I am confident that, with the good technical package we have put in place, next season Gaston will be able to show everyone his real potential."

Prost's decision to sign the Argentine will have a knock-on effect both in F1 and outside it. Mazzacane's place alongside Alesi means that there are now just the seats at Minardi and Arrows to be confirmed - with the Leafield team expected to retain both Jos Verstappen and Pedro de la Rosa - and could leave Bernoldi out in the cold once more.

This, in turn, could mean that FNissan champion Antonio Garcia's deal to join the Red Bull Jr F3000 team is in danger, as Bernoldi is likely to return there instead of opting for the uncertainty that currently surrounds Minardi's future. Patrick Freisacher is already confirmed with the Red Bull team.