GP2 outfit confirms FMaster plans.

The link between GP2 and the Formula Master series is to strengthen after Trident Racing confirmed it will enter three cars in the WTCC support series next season.

The team, which has already tested one of the stars of the first Formula Master season in the shape of Chris van der Drift while looking for drivers for its GP2 programme, has revealed that F3 Euroseries rookie of the year Harald Schlegelmilch is the first driver to sign up for the Formula Master programme, with a number of members of the technical staff also now in place.

GP2 race engineer Stefano Alessi will act as technical director, race engineer Carlo Zone joins from J.D. Motorsport while Stefano Versari, former SLC Formula 3 project designer and race engineer, has also signed a contract with the team.

"The moment we decided to open a second programme alongside GP2, Formula Master was the natural choice of us," team principal Alessandro Alunni Bravi said. "The series has a great organisation from a marketing and commercial point of view; this year has been impressive especially when you consider it is the first year! The technical level of the car is very good too and is very close to GP2. I really think it's the best feeder series to GP2.

"Harald has shown great talent already. We thought he would benefit from driving from Formula Master as his next step into international racing to refine his technical knowledge and racing skills."

Alunni Bravi added that FMaster graduate van der Drift is amongst the front-runners for a GP2 seat for 2008.

Paul Ricard was also the scene for 2007 Formula Master runner-up Chris van der Drift's GP2 test with Trident Racing. The Dutchman is now being considered for the team's 2008 GP2 line-up.

"I think he is one of the most talented racers in Europe," he said. "I have personally followed his progress in Formula Master this year and he is one of our first choices for next year in GP2."

With a number of drivers from the FMaster scene having already had the chance to test GP2 machinery, and with some set to race in the series next season, series director Mauro Sipsz said he was thrilled to welcome Trident to the grid and said he delighted that the series is now being viewed as a serious feeder championship after just one year.

"We are extremely proud and happy to announce one of the best GP2 team is joining Formula Master with three cars next season," he said. "To be considered a GP2 feeder series less than a year after the launch of our Series, as Alunni Bravi mentioned, is tremendous.

"We are genuinely pleased to count such an important team amongst our Formula Master entries and I firmly believe this has been made possible thanks to the Series' concept as well as the new version of the Formula Master car."