Dutchman Jos Verstappen will partner Britain's Justin Wilson next season after paying Stg£2 million to land the second seat at Minardi, ruling out a move to Jordan.
The 30-year-old has joined his sixth Formula One team leaving just one place - the vacancy at Eddie Jordan's team - to be filled on the grid for 2003.
Jordan insist they are in no rush to announce their second driver though favourite is Brazil's Felipe Massa who can bring a multi-million pound budget to the team after being released by Sauber.
Verstappen was unveiled in Holland tonight and will provide the experience alongside Wilson who will make his debut in the season opener in Australia on March 9th.
"I was not bothered if my team-mate was an experienced driver or another rookie," said Wilson, who was signed last month after also stumping up the £2m sponsorship.
"I met Jos a few weeks ago and I am sure we will get along. If we don't it won't matter as long as we move the team forward.
"Hopefully his experience will help the team. I don't have the experience but think I am bringing something else to the team.
"It's important that we do work together improving the car. Hopefully the car is going to be the best Minardi have ever had."
Verstappen made his debut in 1994 as partner to World Champion Michael Schumacher but was lucky to escape unharmed when his Benetton was engulfed in flames during a refuelling stop at that year's German Grand Prix.
The Montefort-born racer went on to drive for Arrows, Tyrrell, Simtek and Stewart without ever showing that he could become a contender for the title.
He eventually rejoined Arrows but was controversially released from his contract just before the start of last season in favour of Heinz-Harald Frentzen.
Verstappen had been vying with rookie Christijan Albers for the vacant Minardi seat but found himself in pole position after his countryman announced earlier this week that team boss Paul Stoddart had rejected his financial offer.