Grapevine: Marques says close to F1 return
Former Minardi driver Tarso Marques has claimed that he is on the verge of making a return to Formula One
The Brazilian, whose last appearance in a single-seater was a one-off outing for Dale Coyne Racing in Champ Car this season, has said that he is close to agreeing a test deal for 2006, which will then lead to a race deal the year after.
Marques made the claims at a Brazilian Stock Car V8 test at Interlagos, where he was running for his father's team.
"I'm waiting to announce a Formula One contract this week," he told Brazilian website Formulanews. "I would test for them in 2006 and race in 2007."
It is not clear who Marques is close to a deal with. Only four teams have not yet officially confirmed their third drivers - Williams, Honda, BMW-Sauber and Super Aguri -- and speculation has not linked Marques with any of those teams.
The other possibility is Midland F1, who have already announced that Nicky Pastorelli will be their third driver but may have another testing vacancy.
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