Hearn out, Fontana in at Della Penna.

Richie Hearn has lost his battle to stay with Della Penna Motorsport for the 2000 season, as hoped-for sponsorship failed to materialise.

The American will now be replaced by one-time Sauber Formula One driver Norberto Fontana, who tested impressively for Della Penna at Homestead recently. The Argentine topped the times at the Florida circuit on only his second day in a Champcar, leading team boss John Della Penna to consider running a second car for him later in the season. Now, however, Fontana fins himself with a full-time seat following Hearns problems.

I am very happy to be competing in CART, especially with a compatriots team, he said, With Della Penna Motorsports I believe I have a chance to fight for the front positions.

Della Penna, an Argentine himself, was also pleased by the opportunity to sign Fontana, who brings backing from television show Video Match to replace the Budweiser money lost by the team, but admitted that it was hard to lose a driver who had been with him since graduating to CART.

I have always wanted to field a fellow Argentine, he said, and have admired Norbertos talent for some time, but this has been a very hard decision for me to take. Richie has been with us a long time, but we had to do what was best for the team.

Hearn remained philosophical about the decision, and said he hoped to return to the team later in the year.

Weve heard so much about the lack of American drivers in open-wheel racing, he said, but, in this case, an American sponsor wasnt prepared to step up to the plate.

With Hearn and compatriot Bryan Herta both losing their drives, just Jimmy Vasser and Michael Andretti remain to carry the Stars and Stripes this season.