Davidson Under No Illusions Ahead of GP Debut

Briton Anthony Davidson says that he faces a daunting debut at the Hungarian Grand Prix this weekend but claimed he is confident of achieving his goal and qualifying for the race.

Davidson, 23, signed a two-race deal with Minardi on Tuesday to stand in for out-of-form Malaysian Alex Yoong in Hungary and Belgium and he will make his Formula One bow at the Hungaroring.

"It is going to be bloody hard," said Davidson. "This is the biggest step of my career. I only had the seat fitting on Monday and I've never done a race or even pitstops before so it is going to be hard.

"I want to do a respectable job and qualify for the race. I've never been to the circuit before and it is going to be daunting for me - I'm ready for all the unexpected things - but I am actually quite confident."

Davidson plans to use his two races with Minardi to put himself in the shop window for potential drives in 2003, but claimed that teams are aware of his ability regardless of how he performs in Hungary and Belgium.

Asked if the two Grands Prix were a chance to impress potential employers, he said: "That's exactly the reason. Everyone knows what they are looking at but it is a good chance. People will know what a respectable job is from me in these races and it is only the teams that matter - not anybody else. It is going to be really exciting."