McLaren to run third car

Formula 1's sporting regulations allow the bottom six teams to run the extra car during the two one-hour practice sessions on Fridays and McLaren's slump down the order has opened up the possibility of it joining the sport's smaller teams in getting extra mileage.

Although the third car rule was originally intended as a way of helping just the smaller outfits, McLaren's shock loss in form last year, allied to BAR's dramatic increase in speed, has opened up the strange scenario.

And despite the fact that there had been some suggestions that the rules to allow third car running would get changed because of the McLaren situation, no vote has been taken on the matter and it is now certain McLaren will take up the option.

"At races where we consider it will be to the team's advantage to run a third car we will do so," said a McLaren spokeswoman.

The identity of a third driver has not been confirmed but with test driver Alexander Wurz too tall to fit into the current version of the MP4-20, it is likely the team will pick Pedro de la Rosa.