AUGUST 13, 2000

Former Arrows driver Takagi eyes BAR testing drive

FORMER Arrows driver Toranosuke Takagi has insisted that he is keen to return to Formula One and is setting his sights on a test drive with British American Racing.

Speaking at the Hungaroring where he is attending as a guest of BAR's engine suppliers Honda, Takagi said he has held talks with BAR boss Craig Pollock and believes a test drive would be the perfect solution for his future.

"I've had talks with Craig, and we opened talks about a future collaboration," said Takagi, who currently leads the Japanese Formula Nippon Championship with five wins out of six races after being dropped by Arrows at the end of last year.

He added: "I know it will be very difficult for me to race in Formula One next year, because the drivers' market is almost shut, but I would be interested in doing a serious testing program with BAR.

"This would give me valuable experience of Formula One without the pressure of having to perform in the Grand Prix and I believe this would be a good solution for my immediate future."