Pizzonia Looking for F1 Test Role

Brazilian Antonio Pizzonia, dropped by Jaguar in July, hopes to return to Formula One next year as a test driver - preferably with former employers Williams.

"The plan is definitely to be in Formula One next season as a test driver or race driver," the Brazilian, attending his first Grand Prix since Silverstone, told Reuters at Indianapolis on Friday.

"What I really want is to be back with Williams as a test driver...but we don't know what is going to happen with the test regulations, whether they are going to change or not, so at the moment we cannot make a decision," he added.

Pizzonia, 23, was Williams's second test driver last year alongside Spaniard Marc Gene before being signed by Jaguar as partner to Australian Mark Webber.

The Brazilian failed to score a point and was replaced by Briton Justin Wilson from the German Grand Prix on August 3. Wilson, a rookie like Pizzonia, has failed to finish any of his races for the Ford-owned team.

"I don't want to comment on Jaguar, that is part of the past now," said Pizzonia. "I think time will show. Justin hasn't done anything special, but I'm not saying it's his fault."

Pizzonia's chances will depend on testing agreements for 2004. If teams are limited in the number of days they can run, there may not be a need for more than one test driver.

Gene is expected to stay at Championship leaders Williams, who also have young Estonian Marko Asmer on their books for the rest of the year, after an impressive fifth place as race stand-in for Ralf Schumacher at Monza two weeks ago.