McNish: Test deal to show race credentials

Speaking at the AUTOSPORT International show today, former Toyota star McNish said the deal, which gives him two hours of running each grand prix Friday, means his name will stay in the forefront of team managers' minds.

"It is definitely the best thing to do and gives me the right environment to showcase my abilities," he said. "It will be a 16-time reminder for all the teams in the pit lane. It keeps me in the shop window, because I'm going to be driving for a competitive team in a very good car.

He added: "It allows me to build on what I achieved last year. I will be in the best position if anything else comes along."

McNish does not yet know when he will get to drive Renault's F1 machine for the first time, but expects to face a busy schedule when his test programme starts.

"To turn up at Melbourne having not driven the car would be a complete waste," he said. "I've got to be up and running and firing on all cylinders by the time I get there, just like I would be if I was racing."