Scheckter Confirms 2001 Racing Plans

Tomas Scheckter has said he will continue his testing duties with Jaguar Racing despite confirming that he will contest the Open Telefonica Nissan championship for Vergani Racing.

Scheckter is using the championship to develop his Formula One skills, and said he is looking forward to participating in the series.

"Open Nissan will nicely complement my Formula One development role with Jaguar Racing," said Scheckter. "I think Formula Nissan is a good championship, and I'm going there to win it - though I don't think that will be easy."

The South African driver has already competed in the series, racing twice at the end of 1999, finishing first in one race and second in another.

Scheckter added: "I did two races at the end of 1999 so I know what is in store, and I'm with the same team and looking forward to working with them again.

"We've been on the pace in the official test, though we will really only find out how quick we are in testing for the first race at Jarama.

"The cars are really good - like a Formula Three car but with more power and grip - and the second race at each meeting features a compulsory pit-stop, so I can learn about the tactics of when to come in and when to push, just like in Formula One."