GP2 racer Carlos Iaconelli has become the first South American driver to sign up for the new FIA Formula Two Championship for the 2009 campaign.

Iaconelli, who took part in the 2008 GP2 season with Durango but failed to score, will go up against three former rivals from his time in the Renault World Series, with Rob Wickens, Julien Jousse and Mikhail Aleshin having already confirmed their places on the grid for the season ahead.

The Brazilian admitted he was thrilled to have secured a place on the grid and said he would be working hard to try and secure the prize of a test with the Williams F1 team.

"I am really delighted to be racing in F2 in 2009; it will be a fantastic challenge,” he said. “The championship will visit beautiful circuits, with competitive drivers and a powerful car - it seems to be a great combination. The prize of an F1 test drive with Williams for the F2 champion represents something all young drivers have dreamt of since a young age and I will work very hard to make my dream come true. I would like to take this moment to thank Mr. Palmer and all of the Formula Two team for this fantastic opportunity."

Jonathan Palmer, chief executive of series organisers MSV, said he was thrilled to add a South American racer to the F2 grid and said he was confident he would be a worthy addition to the grid.

"I'm delighted to add an exciting South American driver to the F2 line-up,” he said. “Talented Brazilian drivers have always been a feature in my own career, particularly Nelson Piquet and Raul Boesel, and I'm sure Carlos will use all his experience to challenge for the championship in 2009. With just a few spaces remaining and an extraordinary level of interest from drivers all over the world, it will be fascinating to see who completes the grid for the first season of the FIA Formula Two Championship!"