Baumgartner inks Nordic deal.

Reigning FIA F3000 champions Coca-Cola Nordic Racing have signed Zsolt Baumgartner to defend its crowns in the 2002 campaign.

The 21-year old Hungarian did enough in a recent Barcelona test with the Norfolk-based team to secure a drive in succession to champion Justin Wilson and Prost GP substitute Tomas Enge. The former German F3 frontrunner made his F3000 debut as one of the Prost team's many replacements in 2001, but failed to progress much further than the final two rows of the grid.

"We have been keeping a close eye on Zsolt since his days in Formula Renault, and we are very pleased to have the chance to sign him for his first full season in F3000," revealed team manager Chris Mower, "At the recent test in Spain, we were very encouraged with the performance he gave, and believe that, given a structured programme for the forthcoming season, results will be achievable. Our aim is for top ten finishes from the word go, leading, we hope, to podium finishes by the end of the year."

Baumgartner is currently running his first official test as a Nordic driver at Estoril.

"Although we will be testing in the old car, Portugal marks an important start for both Zsolt and the team," Mower continued, "It is an ideal time to start our new partnership, as we will have at least six official tests under our belt prior to the first race at Sao Paolo on 30 March next year."

The team has yet to announce its second driver for 2002, but has recently tested with Mario Haberfeld, Joel Camathias and Warren Hughes.