Grapevine: Alesi Still Looking for F1 Testing Role

Frenchman Jean Alesi has said that he is looking to combine a testing role in Formula One with his DTM programme with Mercedes-Benz in 2003.

Alesi, a former Grand Prix winner with Ferrari, competed in the German touring car series this year after leaving Formula One at the end of 2001, although he did return to F1 in a brief test with the Mercedes-powered McLaren team.

But the 38-year-old, who competed with Tyrrell, Ferrari, Benetton, Sauber, Prost and Jordan in Formula One, wants to sign a testing contract to combine with his DTM commitments.

"At the moment I am not doing very much, just waiting for the new season," Alesi told Switzerland's Le Matin newspaper. "My programme with Mercedes-Benz in the DTM isn't enough for me because I love racing cars.

"I am not afraid of racing - I love it - and I'm still hoping to get back into testing in Formula One, but I don't know yet. I've just got a lot of time on my hands."