Piccini signs for European.

The European Minardi F3000 team has announced that up-and-coming Italian Andrea Piccini will be one of its two nominated drivers this season.

The 22-year old, from Sansepolcro in Tuscany, will also fulfil the role of official test driver for European's sister team European Minardi F1.

The 2001 campaign marks Piccini's third in the FIA F3000 Championship, following on from debut seasons with Kid Jensen Racing in 1999 and 2000. His best result to date remains the fourth place he took in the wet-dry race at Hockenheim last year, and indicates the potential seen in him by European, which hopes to turn ability into podiums this season.

"I am very pleased to be driving for European Minardi F3000," Piccini commented, "The team finished third in the championship last season in only its first full year of competition, and that indicates to me that it is a strong, well-run organisation capable of preparing winning cars.

"It is also very important for my career that I start preparing for Formula One, so the opportunity to become an official test driver for the European Minardi F1 team is very exciting. I intend to use the experience to learn as much as possible, improve my driving and, hopefully, help the F1 team to develop its car during the season. It is a great opportunity."

No team-mate has been officially confirmed by the new European Minardi operation, although Belgium's David Saelens is widely tipped to link up with Piccini this season.