Winkelhock targets test driver role

Winkelhock, son of the late Formula One racer Manfred, will test for Midland in Spain next month.

Midland, formerly Jordan, have yet to complete their race line-up for 2006 and said the one-day test in Jerez on December 10 was part of the team's continuing "effort to discover talented drivers".

The team have confirmed Dutchman Christijan Albers for 2006.

Winkelhock, 25, competed in the Renault World Series this year and finished third with three race wins. He has also raced in Formula Renault, Formula Three and the German DTM touring car championship.

"It's a great feeling," said Winkelhock of the test. "When my manager called me to say that the test was confirmed, I just couldn't believe it! It is a strange feeling to know I will be getting behind the wheel of a Formula One car 20 years after my father.

"My target is to do this test and demonstrate that I deserve a place in the team as an official test driver. They need money and for sure they need a paying driver for 2006. I am not paying for this test as they invited me, so now I have to thank them and do my job as well as I can."

Manfred Winkelhock, who died while racing a Porsche sportscar at Canada's Mosport circuit in August 1985, competed for ATS, Brabham and RAM between 1982 and 1985. His highest finish was fifth in Brazil in 1982.