Scheckter lands Jaguar F1 test seat

The South African, who was announced at Silverstone today (Thursday), had his first taste of Formula 1 in August when he tested a Jaguar R1 as part of his Stewart Formula 3 deal.

The 20-year-old will take over from current test driver Luciano Burti, who has been promoted to the race team for next year alongside Eddie Irvine. The Brazilian, like Scheckter, drove for the Stewart F3 team before moving up to Formula 1.

"It's a very exciting prospect to be involved with this project in such a key role," said Scheckter. "Of course, my ultimate aim is to become a Formula 1 driver, but before that there's a job to be done and that job is to ensure next year's Jaguar R2 is as competitive as possible. It's a task I relish."

Jaguar Racing chairman and CEO Neil Ressler said: "This appointment is further evidence of the steps we are taking to ensure Jaguar Racing will be competitive in the future. Tomas has consistently impressed us with his performances in this year's British F3 Championship and the F1 test we gave him in the Jaguar R1."

Scheckter, the son of 1979 Formula 1 world champion Jody, has secured second place in this year's British F3 championship driving for Stewart Racing, which will become the Jaguar junior team next year.

Sheckter also competed in four FIA Formula 3000 Championship races this year with the McLaren Junior team, scoring a second place at Hockenheim. It is unclear whether he will be involved in an F3000 programme alongside his Jaguar testing duties in 2001.