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Wheldon Not Ruling Out F1 Switch

Newly crowned Indy Racing League Champion Dan Wheldon is not ruling out a switch to Formula One next season, as speculation links him with a possible drive at the new BMW outfit

Wheldon has yet to agree a fresh contract with Andretti Green Racing in the IRL and after his success in the series, as well has his victory in this year's Indianapolis 500, his manager Julian Jakobi is keen to make a push for his man to switch to F1.

Speaking to the Times, Wheldon admitted that talk of him making the move to F1 was not just wild speculation - and claimed that one team was very interested in trying him out.

"I have been feeling a lot of pressure lately, what with the Championship and my contract situation," said Wheldon. "To have got one of those issues off my shoulders is a very good feeling.

"I've probably had maybe 15 approaches from different teams, but being approached and actually being offered a deal are two different things.

"The only way you know when a Formula One team are serious is when they ask your weight and your height because they want to know if you can fit in the same car as your teammate. One team has done that."

BMW have already confirmed Nick Heidfeld for next season and, although Jacques Villeneuve has a contract, the team have yet to confirm whether the Canadian would be driving for them in 2006. Should they decide to drop Villeneuve then there would be a vacant slot for Wheldon.

The other possibility is Williams, who are no stranger to dealing with Jakobi through his dealings with Juan Pablo Montoya.

 

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