vd Merwe, Dirani extend BAR young driver deals.

The BAR Honda team has inked long-term agreements with two further members of its Young Driver Programme - South African Alan van der Merwe and Brazilian Danilo Dirani - which will see both extend their relationship with the Brackley squad.

van der Merwe and Dirani join fellow YDP members Adam Carroll and James Rossiter in formalising their association with the team, which began when the scheme was established in the autumn of 2004. Whilst developing their racecraft through the junior ranks, BAR and Honda will also support the quartet with technical, fitness and performance coaching.

van der Merwe is a former British F3 champion, but has spent much of 2005 on the sidelines looking for a drive. He is currently supporting BAR's Bonneville 400 speed record attempt, which takes place at the Bonneville Salt Flats in the USA early next month, but is hoping to land a seat in one of the F1 feeder formulae - either GP2 or the Renault World Series - for next season.

"Being part of the Young Driver Programme has been a fantastic opportunity which couldn't have come at a better time for me," the South African admitted, "It's very difficult for a driver to get the chance to integrate into a top team like BAR Honda, and the programme has already given me exciting projects like the Bonneville 400."

Dirani, three years younger than his counterpart at 22, has raced in the British F3 series for the past two season, having won the Sud-Am crown in 2003. He has won two races this year and currently lies sixth in the championship with two races remaining.

"Working with the team over the last year has given me invaluable support, particularly with my fitness and preparation for races, and I really appreciate the chance of working with a professional F1 team at this early stage of my career," the Brazilian admitted.