Pantano keen on Campos drive

Pantano took Campos to its first GP2 wins and third in the championship in 2007, before winning the title with Racing Engineering last year.

"There is nothing that we can say at the moment, just that we have had a good relationship, myself and [Adrian Campos], and also that we had a great time together," Pantano told AUTOSPORT.

"We've had a good announcement from the FIA and I am happy for him and the people working for him because they are wonderful. Now we'll see if there is a chance for me there."

The Italian is confident that Campos would be a competitive option.

"I think Campos will do a very good job as they have Dallara building the car," Pantano said. "It is good to have another racing manufacturer come in, and Dallara is the best man to do it.

"We'll wait and see what happens, but I think that I won't have to wait a long time to find out what happens for me."

The 30-year-old, who raced in F1 with Jordan for much of 2004, admitted that his age was probably a factor in F1 teams' unwillingness to sign him this year, but he does not think it should be seen as a problem.

"I think you have to be honest. Jenson [Button] is my age, Jenson was racing with me in go-karts, and he is now doing the job," said Pantano.

"[Fernando] Alonso was racing with me, he's just one or two years younger than me. [Sebastien] Bourdais is similar to my age, I think he's one year older. Kimi [Raikkonen] is around my age.

"They are not too old, but I realise that if I am going to do the step and jump into Formula 1 then I need to do it soon. I don't have time to wait. I have enough experience now; I need to do the job soon.

"My dream is Formula 1 or IndyCar, they are the first series that I want to be involved in. I don't want to race in other categories, my focus is on them, and otherwise I'll think about changing my job if there isn't something good. I have to look at my future now."

Having been unable to find an F1 drive for 2009 - making him the first GP2 champion not to graduate straight to the premier category - Pantano is currently racing in the Eurocup Megane Trophy and will join the Superleague Formula when its second season commences later this month.