Enge set for Prost start

Enge makes the switch to F1 from F3000

Tomas Enge is set to become the first Czech to drive in a Formula One race, at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

The 25-year-old, who has raced in Formula 3000 this season, will line up for Prost in place of Luciano Burti.

Enge, a former Jordan test driver and currently second in the F3000 standings, had signed a deal to test with Prost until the end of the season.

It is a fantastic opportunity to have Tomas racing with us

Alain Prost

But he impressed when he completed 63 laps of the Magny-Cours circuit in France less than one second off the pace set by Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya.

Enge said he had dreamed of competing in Formula One.

"Ten years ago the situation in the Czech Republic kept us a million miles away from this level of motor racing.

"Today I am happy and proud to be the first Czech driver in Formula One.

Not fit to race

"I feel sorry that the opportunity to drive in Monza came about because Luciano suffered a terrible accident.

"I wish him all the best and hope that he will soon be back where he belongs."

A statement from the Prost team on Monday said Burti had informed them he would not be fit to race in Monza.

The 26-year-old crashed head-on in to a tyre barrier at the Blanchimont corner of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit after clipping the corner of Eddie Irvine's Jaguar.

Burti's Prost was mangled by his Spa smash

He has been released from hospital in Liege to return to his Monaco home.

Burti said: "I will be the only person who knows when I should be back in a Formula One car.

"I'll be back racing and if I have a competitive car I'll show the world what Luciano Burti is made of."

Team president Alain Prost said he approved Burti's decision to wait a little longer before returning.

"I hope to welcome him back in the very near future, even if at the moment we still do not know how long it is going to be," he said.

"It is a fantastic opportunity to have Tomas racing with us. He has showed how quick, reliable and professional he is."