FEBRUARY 11, 2002

Alesi to test for McLaren

WE reported just the other day that Jean Alesi had a seat fitting with McLaren, and the reason for that seat fitting has just been announced. Alesi will test for the team in Barcelona between March 4th and 6th, immediately following the Australian GP on March 3rd.

The Frenchman retired from formula one after the 2001 season, and is thought to be the only driver, other than Arrows' Heinz-Harald Frentzen, to have driven on both Bridgestone and Michelin Formula 1 tires, so his input may be useful to McLaren, who has switched to Michelin rubber for 2002.

The announcement is no great surprise, as Alesi has a deal to drive for Mercedes in the DTM series in 2002, and the test may be part of that deal. Currently, the test in early March is the only one scheduled for the F1 veteran.

"Obviously, I'm looking forward to sitting behind the wheel of an F1 car again and I'm sure that driving a West McLaren Mercedes is going to be an experience," Alesi said. "I have no plans to return to F1 competition and I am 100 percent committed to my DTM championship challenge with Mercedes-Benz."