The 24-year-old will join Dutchman Christijan Albers on the grid for the first race in Melbourne on March 6.

Friesacher, who has won two races in Formula 3000, said: "For me, it is the realisation of a long-held dream to be in F1. I am extremely happy."

Minardi had been expected to sign Denmark's Nicolas Kiesa, but a funding problem opened the door for Friesacher.

Minardi boss Paul Stoddart was impressed by the Austrian in testing last November.

"He's a quick and, equally importantly, consistent driver, who is also capable of providing good technical feedback to the engineers.