Pantano Still Hopeful of F1 Seat for 2005

Italian driver Giorgio Pantano is still hoping to race in Formula One next season, but admits his chances are slim.

"I still have a couple of chances to stay in F1, but it's not easy," Pantano told the Italiaracing website. "Jordan is one of the options, but it depends on the conditions. If it will be like in 2004, it's better to leave."

Pantano made his Grand Prix debut with the Jordan team last year, but was replaced by German Timo Glock before the end of the season due to contractual issues. He had also missed the Canadian Grand Prix in June after failing to reach an agreement to continue his deal.

The Italian says he's still considering his options, even outside of Formula One.

"I'm not interested in a third driver role, so I'm also looking at other series," he said. "ChampCar is without a doubt interesting, but I can't deny I'm attracted by the new GP2 series. The car is captivating, there is no electronics and there are 600 HP to manage. So it's up to the driver, and a good one can make the difference.

"If I'll ever race in GP2, it will have to be with a top team which will let me fight for victory each time I go on the track."

Pantano, who had German Nick Heidfeld as his teammate during 2004, failed to score any points in his rookie season. Heidfeld, now fighting for a racing seat at Williams, scored just three points, but Pantano said the German has been underrated so far in his career.

"F1 people have not fully understood Heidfeld's worth," Pantano said. "I immediately figured that Nick is super fast, but many people rated him worn out, surprisingly. They were wrong. And now that he drives a Williams people are changing their minds.

"In the first GPs in 2004 Heidfeld always beat me, but from Imola onwards things changed and I kept his pace. I don't think I have anything to be envious of."