Burti Looking Forward to Debut Season

Jaguar driver Luciano Burti is looking forward to a good debut season in 2001 after being promoted from test to racing driver at the Milton Keynes-based team.

The 25-year old Brazilian was Jaguar's test driver last season, but made his Formula One debut at the Austrian Grand Prix when he replaced Eddie Irvine, who had to withdraw from the race due to illness.

Speaking at the Jaguar R2's launch on Tuesday, the Brazilian admitted he is confident for the upcoming season despite his lack of experience in Formula One, although he expects it will be a tough year.

"I know what it takes to race and I know how to qualify," said Burti. "There are going to be a lot of challenges, but I'm pretty confident for the season ahead.

"I already know six or seven of them [circuits], but it will be tough. It's too early to say what my expectations are for next year. We won't know how good or bad the car is until Melbourne, but I'll be happy if I can score some points this year."

Burti, who will be Irvine's new teammate, also admitted he is not feeling the same pressure as the experienced Ulsterman.

"Of course, I get a lot more attention now," he said about being promoted from test driver. "At home they want every Brazilian to win. Yes, I feel the pressure, but everyone knows that I’m not the driver who really has to deliver most of the time, so I’m pretty relaxed.

"If I can match Eddie then I will be very happy. My personal target is to finish in the points and I feel Eddie will do better than that."