JULY 17, 2000

Franchitti gets Jaguar test

DARIO FRANCHITTI could be set to become the next Briton in Formula One as he prepares to impress Jaguar bosses at a test at Silverstone this week.

The 27-year-old, who is currently competing in the FedEx CART Championship with the Team Kool Green team, is being tipped to replace underfire Johnny Herbert at the Milton Keynes-based team next season.

Franchitti's chances of landing the drive are also given an extra boost as he is familiar face with Jaguar, having raced for Paul Stewart Racing in the Formula Vauxhall Lotus Championship and the British Formula Three Championship.

"I have retained strong ties with Jackie and Paul Stewart from my days at Paul Stewart Racing," said Franchitti. "I have talked about testing a Formula One car for some time and I'm delighted that Jaguar Racing is able to make it happen."

Franchitti will be joined by fellow Formula One hopeful Darren Manning at Silverstone, who is hoping to secure a drive with British American Racing next season.