Ex-F1 driver lined up for Patrick Racing test

Rumours say that the Dane will have a try-out for the Ford-powered Patrick Racing team next month.

It is said that the 25-year-old could land a race contract for 2000 if the test goes well. It is unclear which of the team's 1999 drivers he might replace.

Patrick number two PJ Jones' future with the team had been in doubt following a disappointing start to the season, although a second place finish at Nazareth could win him a stay of execution.

Lead driver Adrian Fernandez won at Motegi but has slipped off the pace since then.

Magnussen, who wasn't available for comment, is racing for the Ford-backed Panoz sportscar team this season.

He has, however, made no secret of his desire to move into Champ Cars.

He told Autosport earlier this year that his prime motivation for taking the Panoz seat was so that he could establish himself on the American scene and then look for a CART drive.

The links between Patrick and Magnussen are said to have been fostered by Stewart-Ford boss Jackie Stewart.

After Magnussen blitzed the British F3 series in 1994, Stewart claimed the Dane was on a par with Ayrton Senna, but his F1 performances were disappointing and he was dropped during mid-1998.

Many suggested Magnussen was being used as a scapegoat for the Stewart team's problems.

He has raced in Champ Cars before, impressing Penske and Hogan when subbing for Paul Tracy and Emerson Fittipaldi in 1996.

Patrick team boss Pat Patrick was unavailable for comment.