source: robertdoornbos.com

At the AUTOSPORT International Motor show - at the NEC in Birmingham - today 2003 FIA F3000 champion team Arden has revealed his plans for the next season and "Doornbos" has been named. Robert Doornbos, arguably Dutch's most successful open-wheeler driver, in fact, has signed with defending International FIA F3000 champion Team Arden Motorsport. Doornbos completes Arden's line-up by joining Italian Vitantonio Liuzzi, fourth classified in 2003 FIA F3000 season.

Robert has committed to a 2 year agreement with the Team and is a graduate from the F3 Euro Series where he was a front runner and recently finished second in his final F3 race at the Korean Grand Prix.

"I am delighted that we have secured the services of Vitantonio and Robert with our goals clearly being to retain both Championships." Arden boss Christian Horner said "Vitantonio clearly demonstrated his championship potential during the 2003 season and was very impressive when he tested with us at both Estorill and Monza and Robert demonstrated a considerable speed during his F3 career and was immediately quick when he tested with us at Jerez in November and I am sure that he will quickly adapt to F3000. F3000 look set to have another competitive and with a recent introduction of mandatory pit stop, I am sure the races will be extremely exciting".

"My ambition in motorsports has always been to someday compete in the highest series," said Doornbos. "Only a few years ago my focus was directed on my career as a tennis player; then I felt in love with F1 when I saw a F1 car at Spa for the first time. Then I thought - Well Robert: you should have to try in motor racing, and ... I'm here now. It doesn't happen overnight: it takes time to develop the skills and to gain the needed experience. I think that my racing career to date has helped to position me in the right place at the right time to take the next step forward. Team Arden and the FIA International F3000 championship are world-class. I had a very encouraging test with them on November and I was able to sign the fastest lap time of the day and I had a very high impression of their professional skills and competence." "My goal," continues the - BOSS - "is to represent my country in the FIA F3000 championship, the closest series to F1" "This is a really big opportunity for me which I fully intend to make the most of. 2004 will be a learning year but I hope to learn as quickly as possible and I can't wait for testing to begin in February."

Doornbos finished the highly competitive F3 Euro Series championship in top ten position (9th overall on more than 30 drivers) last season -year 2003- and achieved further encouraging results in the Korean Super Prix ending his season back on podium in a best 2nd position overall, after having suffered mechanical misfortune in Macau Grand Prix while he was racing in 3rd position. Before flying to Macau and Korea, Robert tested a F3000 - Lola B02/50. Last 6th November "Boss" tested the 560 hp-F3000 single-seater of 2003 Champion Team Arden Motorsport and hit the pace topping the leader board with a lap time of 1:32.33 ahead of fellow F3000 debutant Nico Rosberg who was testing for Coloni (1:32.57). This performance, at his debut on a F3000 car, impressed Team Arden's staff and other opinion leaders coming from different racing series.

About Robert Doornbos:
Name: Robert Michael Doornbos
Date of birth: September 23rd, 1981
Place of birth: Rotterdam
Height: 1.82 m
Weight: 74 kg
Marital status: Single
Residence: Viareggio, Italy
Study: Graduated High School / Business School
Natal Language: Dutch
Languages: English, Italian and German
Favourite food: Pasta and Sushi
Favourite Drink: Red Bull
Favourite Music: Lounge and Club Music
Favourite Movie: "Scarface"
Hobbies: Snowboarding and Golf