Friday October 11th, 2002

Renault are to test French F3000 champion Sebastien Bourdais in Spain by the beginning of December, chief executive Patrick Faure said in French sports daily L'Equipe today.

"We have to find our test driver for next year, for Fernando Alonso is now a regular in the Formula One team", said Faure, who wants to organise one or two tests with this year's cars.

"The idea is to make a very serious test, not only one lap. That's why we'll probably need two sessions", he added.

Bourdais was tested by Arrows in July and team boss Tom Walkinshaw wanted to hire him for the 2003 season. But the British team, struggling with financial difficulties, have missed the last five Grand Prix.

"If we can have a good French driver, we will not hesitate", said Faure.

Bourdais was named F3000 champion after Czech driver Tomas Enge lost the title earlier this month following his disqualification from the Hungarian round of the championship for failing a drug test for cannabis.

Published at 10:08:10 GMT