Argentine driver Gaston Mazzacane will be the second driver for the Prost Formula One team this season, Prost announced today.
Mazzacane, 25, who drove for the Italian Minardi team last season, will partner veteran Frenchman Jean Alesi.
Mazzacane has only completed one season in Formula One but has impressed Prost principal Alain Prost, the former world champion.
"Gaston has shown a lot of determination and motivation and we are happy that he joins the team at a time we consider is a new start for Prost Grand Prix," Prost said.
"He is in top physical condition and eager to prove himself. He will be a good match for Jean Alesi, from whom he can learn a lot.
"I am confident that with the good technical package we have put in place, Gaston will be able to show everyone his full potential."
The loss of Mazzacane is a further blow for the beleaguered Minardi team. Last week, Minardi lost two members of their technical team to Prost.
Frenchman Jean-Francois Sinteff and Italian Gabriele Pagliarini have been appointed chief mechanics at Prost.
Minardi have failed to secure sponsorship for the new season which begins with the Australian Grand Prix in March, with Prost snapping up a deal last month with Miami-based television company PanAmerican Sports Network (PSN).
Mazzacane is backed by PSN, who last year backed out of a deal to buy a majority share in Minardi.- Reuters