Young Scheckter Joins McLaren's Ranks

Tomas Scheckter, son of Formula One former World Champion Jody Scheckter, made a step further towards landing an F1 seat when McLaren announced today the young South African will join its F3000 team for the remaining four rounds of the 2000 Championship.

Scheckter will be replacing Stephane Sarrazin as of Austria. The team reported that he completed a successful day's testing and acclimatisation on Thursday at Pembrey. Scheckter is currently lying second in the British F3 Championship, in which he will continue to compete, in parallel with his F3000 involvement.

"I am very excited about the prospect of driving for one of the best teams in the world," the 19-year old said. "I enjoyed the test and look forward to the race in Austria. It will be a real challenge for me and I am ready to respond positively to all the new experiences F3000 will bring. I will be continuing in my bid to win the British F3 Championship and I believe that this opportunity can only enhance those efforts."