Wednesday April 19th, 2000

McLaren test driver Olivier Panis has admitted that he hopes to return to Formula One in 2001.

Panis, who has excelled in his job as McLaren's test driver, believes he is on the right track to be back in the field in 2001, despite turning down offers for 2000 from Arrows and Williams.

"There were two other options for me with Arrows and Williams," Panis insisted. "But quite frankly I'm in Formula One to win and I felt this was the best chance to come back as a driver in 2001.

"Williams might have been an option if the contract they offered me had been longer but honestly I think I really wanted to drive for Mclaren-Mercedes.

"I wanted to find out what a big team was all about and to work with the top engineers. My first thought was to try and find out how a team works to win the championship."