19/08/2005
NEWS STORY
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BAR test driver, Anthony Davidson, who has made no secret of his desire to find a race seat, has revealed that he has been approached by both Jordan and BMW with a view to a full-time drive in 2006.
With race seats in short supply, and having done such a sterling job for the Brackley team, Davidson is concerned that he might end up in the same rut as Alexander Wurz, Pedro de la Rosa, Luca Badoer and Franck Montagny, a full time test driver.
His fears will be further compounded by the news this week that Rubens Barrichello has been added to the BAR payroll, at a time when the Honda powered team is still hoping to retain the services of Jenson Button.
"Jordan have approached us," he told Reuters, "and they're saying that they can do something, so it opens up a new opportunity really just to be on the grid.
"We've been talking to BMW as well for next year," he added, "we spoke to them a couple of races back."
BMW has already admitted that 2006 will be a 'learning year', but that might just suit the English driver. However, the news that Jordan has approached Davidson indicates that some people within the sport may have got it wrong, for there are many that believe team owner Alex Shnaider is looking to offload the team having realized that in entering F1 he has bitten off more than he can chew.
"I love racing so much I feel that it's probably my greatest strength as a driver," said Davidson. "You can only do so much testing as a young guy and it's not like I've been there and stepped back to do testing, like some of the other test drivers that are out there now."
However, he makes no secret of the fact that, given the choice, he would prefer to stay with BAR, but as a race driver.
"This is where I'd want to be," he admits. "Out of all of them, this is where it would be easiest to fit in. I know the car and team really well. But at the end of the day if I can't have an opportunity here then I will search for a drive elsewhere."