2006-7 Red Bull Racing F1 test driver Michael Ammermüller has chosen Formula Master for his return to competitive racing with a drive for Swiss team Iris Project.

Having also driven in GP2, A1GP and World Series by Renault last year, the 22-year-old German holds considerable experience in single-seaters, ranging from Formula Renault 2.0 where he was runner-up in 2005 to his test role in Formula 1.

Signing with Iris Project, Ammermüller has now chosen Formula Master as he believes the Series has even greater potential than last year.

“I heard a lot about Formula Master throughout 2007 and got great feedback on the Series,” said Ammermüller. “This year should be even better with the new version of the car so it’s going to be very interesting.”

Jenzer Motorsport, whom Ammermüller drove for in 2004 and 2005, confirmed their full 2008 line-up with Swiss Fabio Leimer joining the team after successfully completing his Formula Master winter testing with the Swiss outfit. The 18-year-old claimed the fastest time in Valencia last November.

Matei Mihaescu will race alongside Leimer, becoming the first Romanian driver to take part in Formula Master, after driving in Formula Renault 2.0 Suisse last year where he claimed one win.

Alan Racing announced the first of its three drivers with Italian Daniel Mancinelli. The 19-year-old makes his international racing debut with the team, having only raced in national series previously.

Brazil also features in this year’s Formula Master grid with Carlos Iaconelli joining Pro Motorsport. The 20-year-old raced in World Series by Renault for the last two years and will make his Formula Master debut later on this week at the first official test of the season in Monza.

“This is a great opportunity and I’m determined to obtain good results this year,” said Iaconelli. “I have been in Europe for two years now and I realise that the competition is extreme. You have to win and I believe Pro Motorsport have the technical experience and professionalism to aim for that.”

The Series’ first official testing session for 2008 will take place this week on Thursday 20 and Friday 21 March 2008 at Monza, Italy.