DECEMBER 28, 2000

Pizzonia confirms F3000 role

ANTONIO PIZZONIA has confirmed he will drive in the 2001 International F3000 championship but has not ruled out a testing role in Formula One.

The Brazilian driver will team-up with fellow Brazilian, Ricardo Sperafico at Petrobras Junior team.

Pizzonia said: "The decision to compete in F3000 is the best one I can take. I will learn much and will certainly acquire an increased knowledge of the circuits.

"To me F3000 seems to be a good learning ground and I intend on using this to gain access to F1 in 2002."

But Pizzonia is not playing down the chance of a drive in Formula One after being linked with a number of teams for the upcoming season.

He continued: "We have something in the bag outside of F3000, which will be a big surprise for everyone. We haven't signed anything yet, but it should be announced in January."