AUGUST 22, 2000

Verstappen in talks with teams to resolve future

ARROWS driver Jos Verstappen is in talks with several teams over his Formula One future, and has now entered the running for a Sauber drive in 2001.

The Dutchman has not signed a contract with Arrows for next season and is keeping his options open. The Arrows have not performed as well as expected, and Verstappen may be looking elsewhere for a more competitive drive.

Verstappen will meet with Peter Sauber this week for discussions on a drive with his team, where both seats are thought to be up for grabs. Mika Salo is expected to leave for Toyota's F1 project, and Pedro Diniz is also thought to be moving on.

Verstappen, meanwhile, has done his chances of retaining a seat at Arrows no favors, after commenting, "It is still too early to know what my future in F1 will be, but I could be in a better team for 2001."

Verstappen also refuses to rule out a switch to a team for test drive, and Benetton, Jordan, and British American Racing are all thought to be interested in hiring him to fill this roll.

"I would obviously prefer to race in Grand Prix in a competitive team," he said. "But to be the third driver in a top team can also have its advantages. I must think of that."