JANUARY 19, 2006

Hamilton at ART

McLaren protege Lewis Hamilton has finally been confirmed with the ART team in GP2. The 21-year-old Briton will join Alexandre Premat, who has a year of experience in the series. The move is not a big surprise as Hamilton drove for the ASM team in Formula 3, the sister operation to ART and has financial backing from McLaren to secure the seat.

"My goal is to win races and maybe the championship, if I can," said Hamilton. "I have to work hard and make sure we maximize the time we have to develop car."

Team principal Frederic Vasseur says he is delighted.

"It is a great pleasure to sign Lewis, a logical continuation for us after his title in the F3 Euro Series last year and his potential already displayed during testing in the GP2 car," he said. "Lewis is integrated very well into the team and I am happy and proud to be able to count on him as one of our drivers"