MAY 25, 2001

Czech looking to the future in F1

CZECH driver Tomas Enge hopes to become the first Eastern European Formula 1 driver of the modern era. Enge, who is currently second in the International Formula 3000 series in his Coca Cola Nordic Racing entry is understood to be talking to Minardi about a possible testing role later in the year.

Enge has shown himself to be quick in F3000. He shot to prominence in 1999 with a dramatic second place for the Fina World Racing Team at Magny-Cours in 1999. Last year he switched to the Mysap.com-sponsored McLaren Junior Team and won his first race in F3000 in Hockenheim. This year he found backing from one of the Eastern European Coca Cola distributors and moved to Nordic Racing and although he has yet to win a race he is currently second in the championship.

Many of the sponsors involved in Formula 1 are keen to exploit the Eastern European markets and so Enge should not have too much trouble in racing the budget necessary to get into Formula 1 next year.