HVM confirms Dominguez

Dominguez has been heavily linked with a Jordan Formula 1 drive since the team was taken over by the Midland Group - with whom he had been discussing a 2006 race seat. After an abortive test at Silverstone ten days ago, when bad weather meant his F1 debut lasted just one lap, Dominguez announced that he had turned down the 'third driver' role at Jordan this year but would definitely race for the team next season. In the meantime, he will complete a fourth season in Champ Cars, according to Wiggins.

"Mario Dominguez is a contracted driver with HVM until the end of 2005 and will be racing in Champ Car," said Wiggins. "This will be Mario's fourth year with the team and we look forward to continuing our championship quest.

"We are also very supportive of Mario's future ambitions, but our focus is Champ Car and Mario in 2005."

The HVM team, formerly known as Herdez Competition, is seeking a new second driver after the departure of Ryan Hunter-Reay, and has been linked with Mexicans Memo Rojas and David Martinez. Dominguez finished fifth in the championship for the team in 2004.