McNish keeps rumours out of mind

Speculation suggests that the Scot could lose his seat at Toyota for 2003, with the likes of Alexander Wurz tipped as a possible replacement. McNish has done little wrong in his first season of Formula 1, but could do with scoring his first points in the next few races to help his cause.

When asked by Autosport.com whether the speculation about his future was annoying, he said: "That's always the case. It's not annoying, but it's as distracting as you let it be.

"If you let it affect you, then yes, it is distracting. There are always rumours at this time of year, but that's a fact of life."

Following his disasterous British Grand Prix, when he retired on the startline, McNish continues to be optimistic in spite of the summer test ban which could hurt Toyota as the team works to become more competitive in its maiden F1 year.

The August ban is not necessarily a bad thing for the team, according to McNish. "I think it's always a bit of a handicap when we're not able to gain any experience," he said. "However having said that I actually think it might be a good thing to have a bit of time to restock and work our exactly where we are and how we can improve from where we are.

"It's like the testing ban at the end of last year - in some respects it was a positive thing for us."