Maldonado joins Trident

The 21-year-old Venezuelan driver will partner Japan"s Kohei Hirate in the team, after testing for no less than three different squads during the winter.

Maldonado said: "After looking at all the offers I had for 2007, I believe I have made the right choice in signing with Trident.

"The team have a very high level of professionalism and we are going to work really hard to win the championship this year."

Maldonado steps up to GP2 after finishing third in last year's Renault World Series with two wins. He would have been crowned champion but for his disqualification from another victory at Misano in Italy.

Before that he won the 2004 Italian Formula Renault Championship, and became the second Venezuelan to drive a Formula One car - joining Johnny Cecotto.