Soucek nets DPR deal

The 21-year-old Spaniard, who tested for the team in November, will partner fellow rookie Christian Bakkerud in the British squad, following the collapse of their merger with Carlin Motorsport, which left him wondering whether he would have a drive or not.

Team boss Dave Price said: "Andy showed a lot of potential in the November GP2 test. I'm happy he has been so patient with us in our deal, or no deal, period."

Soucek, who finished second in last year's Renault World Series and was Spanish Formula Three champion in 2005, said that he never seriously looked at driving for anyone else.

He said: “It was a question of DPR or not at all. I feel we will work well together. I'm glad the waiting is over."