Grapevine: Alesi Still Hunting McLaren Test Seat

Former Formula One driver Jean Alesi is still in the hunt for a second test with McLaren-Mercedes - and is hoping to hear news of a deal at Imola.

Alesi drove last year's McLaren car at a test at Paul Ricard the week after the Australian Grand Prix, and he and his manager Mario Miyakawa immediately began talks with the team for a more permanent role.

"We are still talking to McLaren in this moment," said Miyakawa. "We don't have any scheduled programme yet but I hope by Imola we will get some answers."

Alesi, who drove the final race of an 11-year Formula One career with the Jordan team at last season's Japanese Grand Prix, was hugely enthusiastic after the test and his technical input drew praise from McLaren.

His knowledge of both Michelin and Bridgestone tyres, from racing with Prost and Jordan in 2001, was helpful to McLaren in the early part of the season, but it remains to be seen whether that will be enough to gain him a further test.