Jaguar Seeking Test Driver after Pizzonia Refusal

Jaguar are still looking for a Formula One test and reserve driver after Brazilian Antonio Pizzonia rejected the offer, team bosses said today.

Rookie Pizzonia was replaced as a regular race driver by Briton Justin Wilson this week after a disappointing 11 starts without a point. He turned down a reserve role.

Jaguar managing director David Pitchforth said the door was still open for the 22-year-old but Jaguar was looking for someone to fill the role.

"We do need a test driver," he told reporters at the Jaguar factory. "Though Mark (Webber), and Antonio to be honest, have done it without complaint we did tend to run them ragged.

"If you've got a test schedule and someone's had a bit of a knock or got a cold, then at the moment the only way through it is to keep working. It's not ideal."

Jaguar currently have a 'gentleman's agreement' with rivals BAR for their British test driver Anthony Davidson to stand in as reserve in an emergency at races. The Ford-owned team have also agreed to do limited testing during the season in exchange for an extra two hours of track time on Fridays before Grands Prix.

Team principal Tony Purnell expected that Friday option to remain the same next season: "The ideal for us would be no change."