MARCH 2, 2001

Lauda confirms De la Rosa is set for race drive next year

NIKI LAUDA confirmed on Friday that Jaguar Racing's test-driver Pedro de la Rosa is being lined up for a full drive with the team in 2002.

Austrian Lauda, who has taken up a management role with the Ford-owned Jaguar Racing team, said Spaniard De la Rosa has been brought in as a potential new driver.

"We wouldn't have got Pedro for testing, which is our priority this year, if we couldn't have offered him a drive next year," said Lauda.

Lauda refused to disclose who De la Rosa could replace with Eddie Irvine and Luciano Burti seemingly driving for their future with the team this season.

He added: "We have to wait and see what is going to happen and think about it during the year."