Dutch F1 veteran Jos Verstappen has been unveiled as the new driver with Minardi.

It is thought the 30 year old has brought with him �2m of sponsorship to secure the drive.

"I am very pleased to be back in Formula One and to have signed to drive for Minardi in 2003," Verstappen said.

"Up and down the pit lane, it has always been known that Minardi builds good cars and is a strong little team that has only been prevented from achieving its full potential over the years by a lack of sponsorship.

"I am really impressed with Paul Stoddart's plans for the team and by this year's technical package, which looks strong to me."

Hopefully his experience is going to help the whole team Minardi driver Justin Wilson

Verstappen has been linked with a host of teams during the past few months, including former team Arrows and Jordan.

But after Touring Cars driver Christijan Albers ruled himself out of the running for the vacant slot at Minardi, team owner Paul Stoddart swooped for Verstappen.

Minardi's other driver, Justin Wilson, said he hoped to form a good partnership with Verstappen.

"From what I have seen of him, he's a good guy," Wilson told the BBC.

"I met him a couple of weeks ago and I look forward to working with him.

"Hopefully his experience is going to help the whole team."

Wilson added that he felt the veteran Dutch driver would make Minardi a real force in 2003.

"The car is going to be one of the best, and all the team are very excited," he said.

"The engine is fantastic, so hopefully the whole package will come together and we will be able to do something with that."