Champion Wirdheim focuses on F1
Having rounded off his ultra-successful season of Formula 3000 with a win at Monza, new champion Bjorn Wirdheim has pledged to focus his attention on finding a Formula 1 seat for next season
The Swede tested for the Jordan team at Monza recently, and is due to run for the outfit in the Friday morning test session in the next race at Indianapolis. Wirdheim is also scheduled to test for BAR this month.
"This season has been unbelievable and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the whole Arden team who have done a fantastic job over the past two seasons," said Wirdheim. "I would however like to dedicate this win to Anna Lindh who tragically lost her life this week. I will now focus all my efforts on securing an F1 seat for next year."
Arden boss Christian Horner said: "In the two year's that Bjorn has driven for the team he has been a pleasure to work with and must be one of the most successful driver's to compete in F3000. He has been truly outstanding this season finishing nine out of 10 races in either first or second position. He has a great future ahead of him and is totally deserving of a race seat in F1 next year."
Townsend Bell finished ninth in the championship in his rookie year in F3000 for the Arden team, but Horner is confident that he can follow Wirdheim's example next season.
"Townsend can be content with an impressive rookie season," said Horner. "With the benefit of continuity over the winter, I'm sure he will be a title contender next season."
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