Arden International team boss Christian Horner has admitted that Turkish driver Can Artam's recently-completed two-day test at Snetterton went better than he had expected, and could lead to the two parties linkingಌ up in next season's inaugural GP2 series.

Artam was invited to test with Arden after showing in🦹creasing promise in his maiden F3000 season, which was split between the Coloni and Supernova teams. Buoyed by his performances - which saw him come close to scoring points on a number of occasions - Artam is hoping to secure a deal to stay in the Formula One support series as Turkey makes its debut on the grand prix calendar.

"It was a positive season for me, as I learned a lot in a totally new environment," he said of his seas𝓰on, "Although I was disappointed not to score any points, I was glad that I progressed and managed to be consistent towards the end of the season, especially since I switched over to the Jordan Grand Prix junior team.

"This test with Arden is pa🅰rt of a winter programme designed to get me ready to sign with a top team for next year's GP2 series. Hopefully, providing the calendar allows it, I will be the first Turkish driver to compete in an international single-seater series at the Turkish GP next year."

Horner has been inundated with requests🐻 to test following 🐭his team's second successive FIA F3000 title double, but admitted that Artam had surprised him with his performance at a wet and windy Snetterton.

"We always keep an eye on new drivers, and Can is one we have been following since his arrival in the FIA Championship this year," he said, "We are looking to line up two competitive drivers for next year's GP2 series, and were happy to invite Can to test with us as part of our d𒈔river evaluation programme.

"He has exceeded our expectജations. His approach to racing is very professional, and both his feedback and interaction with the team showed a great maturity and knowledge for someone with little experience at this level. His performance on track was also impressive, as he steadily improved his lap ti🍸mes over the two days and, despite the difficult conditions, managed to lap with competitive times."

Despite having had experience of running an F3000 car throughout the season, Artam admitted that the Arden machine was different to either of those he had campaigned in 2൲004.

"The car felt great, and probably had the best handling among the three cars I drove this year," he commented, "A two-day session was ideal as it allowed me to familiarise mysওelf with the car and the team during day one, which we spent running different settings, while day two was exc💛lusively dedicated to running as much as possible and pushing the car and myself to the limit. I would be delighted to race for Arden next year."