JANUARY 21, 2003

Bell signs for Arden

American Townsend Bell, who has ambitions of becoming a Formula 1 driver, has joined Bjorn Wirdheim in the Arden International Formula 3000 team. Bell has signed a two-year deal with the team and says that he wants to use F3000 as his route into Formula 1

"I am really looking forward to racing on European circuits," Bell says. "This season will be a learning year as all the circuits will be new to me, but I am confident that with the new free practice format I will be able to get up to speed quickly."

Bell's experience in CART should be a big help and Arden boss Christian Horner says that he is confident that Bell will soon be pushing Wirdheim, who is one of the favorites for this year's title.