Hynes hopes F1 test will boost his race career

Hynes, who beat Jenson Button and Luciano Burti to the British Formula 3 title in 1999, completed 50 laps in a BAR alongside Japanese Honda protégé Takuma Sato, who starred in this year's British F3 series, at Barcelona. Marc's only race car experience this year was two races in FIA F3000, and tests in Formula 3 and Indy Lights machinery and felt this was the reason he trailed Sato by 0.7s after the two-day test.

"I don't think I was able to show my maximum potential because of my year out, but at least I feel everything is coming back on course for me," he told Autosport.com. "Overall, I feel it went well, and I just hope I get another chance. The next step would be a big, extended run in the car. I really enjoyed it and I desperately want to get a deal and get back into racing, wherever it may be, but I want to get back to what I do best - winning races."

Hynes tested for Indy Lights championship-winning team PacWest in Phoenix, Arizona, just days before his F1 run in Spain. British American Racing used the test as part of its Driver Development Programme, which is aimed at giving young drivers the chance to experience it F1 car with the test team.

"Both drivers performed well during the test, Marc and Takuma were both equally confident and drove in a sensible manner, making small chassis changes throughout the two days to suit their individual styles," said chief engineer Steve Farrell. "We had no technical problems with the car so both drivers had an uninterrupted run and set some respectable times. Both the drivers responded strongly to the changes and we were very pleased with the feedback we received from each of them".

The Brackley-based team, which already has test deals with Darren Manning and McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Anthony Davidson, says the result of the evaluation will be announced at a later date.

For full Marc Hynes Q&A, click HERE.