McNish Frustrated by 'Nonsense' Rumours

Allan McNish expressed his frustration at the constant speculation regarding his future, but his Toyota team on Saturday confirmed that the Scot will see the season through them.

McNish told British newspapers that he was annoyed by reports that he will be replaced before the Hungarian Grand Prix, with some claiming that the Japanese squad wanted to replace him with Heinz-Harald Frentzen after the Hockenheim race.

"It's frustrating when you're constantly hearing you're going to lose your seat, but I know to expect it in Formula One," said the Scot. "The story that I was going to lose my job after this race was particularly annoying. It's just nonsense.

"It could be a distraction if I allowed it to be, but I'm hearing none of these things from the team. I am very confident for the future and comfortable with my position."

Toyota, however, denied McNish was to be ousted before the end of the year, and said that they have not taken any decision concerning their drivers.

"There is absolutely no truth in reports claiming that Allan McNish will not complete the 2002 Formula One season with Toyota," said the statement. "Team President Ove Andersson clearly stated during Friday's FIA Press Conference in Hockenheim that no decision regarding the 2003 driver line-up has yet been taken."

McNish, who retired from the German Grand Prix on Sunday, said he is desperate for an opportunity to prove himself on track after mechanical problems brought another race to a premature end for him.

"I wouldn't say we have had problems week-in, week-out," McNish said. "We have had some reliability problems in recent races but I'm pretty clear I've proved my point. We, as a team, want to get out there and race and we've got five races left to show what we can do this season."