NOVEMBER 18, 2015

Magnussen eyes F1 race return for 2017

Kevin Magnussen is eyeing 2017 as an opportunity to get his F1 racing career back on track.

Kevin Magnussen is eyeing 2017 as an opportunity to get his F1 racing career back on track.

The 23-year-old Dane, who has been ousted by McLaren, is thought to be looking into an alternative reserve driver role for 2016 in combination with a race seat elsewhere, potentially with Porsche at Le Mans.

Magnussen says he was recently misquoted when reports suggested he had ruled out staying in F1 next year as a reserve driver.

"We could well consider it," he told the Danish newspaper BT. "At least I don't exclude it. But there is nothing in place and I am still considering my options."

Magnussen, who was shifted into the reserve role by McLaren this year after a single racing season in 2014, thinks keeping a toe in the F1 water might be a good idea as 2017 is shaping up as a potential opportunity.

"There will probably be a reshuffle of drivers soon," he said. "Maybe in 2017 or within a couple of years, when quite a lot of seats should open up."

He is referring to the fact that, while the grid is staying largely the same next year, many experienced drivers - Kimi Raikkonen, Felipe Massa, Jenson Button and Fernando Alonso - are now into their mid 30s.

"So it would be good," Magnussen explained, "to remain associated with formula one as much as possible."

(GMM)