DPR keen to keep Soucek

The 21-year-old Spaniard raced for the team this year and made a disappointing season, failing to either start or finish in the top ten before the Hungarian round in August.

But, following that breakthrough, he scored points in the final four races of the season, including his first podium finish – and the team's first for over two years - in the Spa sprint race, seeing him rise up from 29th to 17th in the final championship standings.

And, after he went second fastest in last week's first winter test at Jerez, team boss Dave Price said he wanted to keep Soucek on board for 2008.

"We had a slow start to the season, but from the mid-point we began to make real progress, so that by the end of it we were up there challenging for the win," said Price.

"Right from the first test with Andy I've believed in his abilities as a driver and never doubted how quick he can be.

"I think through the season he's grown in confidence with the team and we've helped him to be more of a complete driver. I really hope that he'll stay with us so that we can both benefit from all the hard work this season."

Also testing for DPR at Jerez were Luca Filippi, who won the opening race of the season for Super Nova, and rookies Paolo Nocera and Federico Rossi.