Webber given McLaren chance

The opportunity of taking the wheel of the pacesetting car in motor racing is the icing on the cake of a remarkable deal from Mercedes - one of the most powerful political forces in Grand Prix Racing.

And it could be the final step that caterpaults him into Formula One.

Mercedes boss Norbert Haug revealed to the Herald Sun at the Hungarian Grand Prix that Webber is mulling over a three-race deal in Formula 3000.

And if he lives up to his potential the talented Australian will then be slotted behind the wheel of a Silver Arrow.

Haug would not confirm whether Webber is being offered the seat of Nick Heidfeld who wrapped up the Formula 3000 championship in Budapest last Saturday.

Mercedes are now looking to make good on a promise to find Heidfeld a seat in Formula One and as he moves on there will be a vacancy that Webber could fill.

Heidfeld is expected to go to Prost next season as team-mate to Sauber refugee Jean Alesi.

He could also replace Damon Hill at Jordan should the Englishman quit early.

If Webber does step into Heidfeld's shoes he will leapfrog the Mercedes driver and land right near the front.

Haug has denied rumours Webber has asked to be released from his Mercedes contract.

'We have offered him a testing possibility in Formula 3000 and the possibility of driving in three Formula 3000 races this season,' he said.

'No decision has been taken by him so far.

'Webber has spoken to McLaren managing director Martin Whitmarsh. The test drive of the McLaren is a possibility in the future but first he has to race in Formula 3000.'

Webber had hoped to land a Jordan testing deal but they refused to consider it while he was contract-tied to Mercedes - McLaren's engine supplier.

Jordan team sources have previously said that Webber needed an outing in Formula3000 to prove his credentials.