Zonta Hopes to Return in 2002

Brazilian Ricardo Zonta hopes to come back as a racing driver in 2002 after next season, when he will be the Jordan team's test driver.

Zonta was dumped by BAR this year after spending two seasons with them, and has joined the growing list of Grand Prix drivers to take a testing role in the hope of bringing his career back on track.

The 24-year old Brazilian, who finished the 2000 season in fourteenth place with only three points, admitted he thought he had made the right decision, but also confessed he was frustrated for not finding a competitive racing seat.

"It's a bit annoying not to be racing because I would have liked to have had the chance to show how I can improve," said Zonta. "But I want to be in a good car, and if I show my potential, it could be with Jordan in 2002.

"I've thought a lot about next year and going to Jordan as a test driver. It is definitely the right decision for me because another season at the back of the grid, which is where my options for a race seat were heading, would have been bad and no good for my motivation."

Zonta will begin his new job next month, when the teams begin their preparations for the 2001 season in Spain.