Bernoldi in ChampCar move

The 29-year-old Brazilian tested for the team 18 months ago, but was unable to secure a deal for 2007 and instead raced in his domestic Stock Car series.

But now, with a major sponsor on board, he has been given an ideal opportunity to resurrect his single-seater career in the United States with Paul Gentilozzi's team.

"Racing in the United States is something that I have always wanted to do and I think that ChampCar is the best series for me to have the opportunity to do so," Bernoldi said.

"I like the variety of circuits that are on the schedule. There is a range of street and permanent courses which will be fun and similar to what I have been racing on in Europe.

"It will be a good challenge for me this year. Not only do I have to learn a new race car, but also how the racing works in the United States. My experience in Europe and Formula One will definitely help me, but the rules are different over here.

"I was impressed by the team when I tested with them two years ago. Unfortunately we were able to get a deal together that year, but I am excited to have the opportunity now."

Gentilozzi, whose team has run in ChampCar since 2003, said that getting Bernoldi signed so early in year will help the whole team to gel ahead of the first major test of the season, which starts on February 4 at Sebring.

"We are excited to have Enrique on board with us this season," he said. "It is nice to be able to sign a driver this early, as it will be a great benefit for us to have him testing with the team during the pre-season.

"Together we can prepare for an exciting 2008 season in the Champ Car World Series. He has been associated with some of the elite Formula One teams and has a great understanding of open-wheel cars.

"That really showed in his quick learning skills and resulting performance when he tested with us. He is extremely professional and talented; I can definitely see him as a potential race winner in Champ Car."

Bernoldi, a multiple karting champion in his homeland, came to prominence in 1996 when he won the Formula Renault Eurocup, and further enhanced his reputation by finishing as runner-up in the British Formula Three Championship of 1998.

Two years as Sauber's Formula One test driver while simultaneously racing as a Red Bull-backed driver in Formula 3000, saw him given a Grand Prix race seat with Arrows in 2001.

He failed to score a point in his 18 months with the team, but did find infamy when he kept David Coulthard's McLaren behind him for 44 laps at the Monaco Grand Prix in only his fifth race.

Following that, he spent two years as BAR's test driver while racing - and winning four times - in the Dallara Nissan World Series. This year he raced in the Brazilian Stock Car Championship and finished 13th overall.