Artam test 'exceeded' Horner expectations.

Arden International team boss Christian Horner has admitted that Turkish driver Can Artam's recently-completed two-day test at Snetterton went better than he had expected, and could lead to the two parties linking up in next season's inaugural GP2 series.

Artam was invited to test with Arden after showing increasing promise in his maiden F3000 season, which was split between the Coloni and Supernova teams. Buoyed by his performances - which saw him come close to scoring points on a number of occasions - Artam is hoping to secure a deal to stay in the Formula One support series as Turkey makes its debut on the grand prix calendar.

"It was a positive season for me, as I learned a lot in a totally new environment," he said of his season, "Although I was disappointed not to score any points, I was glad that I progressed and managed to be consistent towards the end of the season, especially since I switched over to the Jordan Grand Prix junior team.

"This test with Arden is part of a winter programme designed to get me ready to sign with a top team for next year's GP2 series. Hopefully, providing the calendar allows it, I will be the first Turkish driver to compete in an international single-seater series at the Turkish GP next year."

Horner has been inundated with requests to test following his team's second successive FIA F3000 title double, but admitted that Artam had surprised him with his performance at a wet and windy Snetterton.

"We always keep an eye on new drivers, and Can is one we have been following since his arrival in the FIA Championship this year," he said, "We are looking to line up two competitive drivers for next year's GP2 series, and were happy to invite Can to test with us as part of our driver evaluation programme.

"He has exceeded our expectations. His approach to racing is very professional, and both his feedback and interaction with the team showed a great maturity and knowledge for someone with little experience at this level. His performance on track was also impressive, as he steadily improved his lap times over the two days and, despite the difficult conditions, managed to lap with competitive times."

Despite having had experience of running an F3000 car throughout the season, Artam admitted that the Arden machine was different to either of those he had campaigned in 2004.

"The car felt great, and probably had the best handling among the three cars I drove this year," he commented, "A two-day session was ideal as it allowed me to familiarise myself with the car and the team during day one, which we spent running different settings, while day two was exclusively dedicated to running as much as possible and pushing the car and myself to the limit. I would be delighted to race for Arden next year."