INT: McNish weighs up his options

The former McLaren and Benetton F1 test driver, who won the classic race with Porsche in 1998, has seen his plans to contest next year's race - and the American Le Mans Series - go awry.

'The board [Porsche] made a decision not to compete in 2000, and also in ALMS,' said the 29-year-old. 'It was a little bit of a surprise, and a little bit frustrating.'

McNish, who contested this year's Le Mans 24 Hours with Toyota, had been working with the German marque on a prototype sportscar, which he believes would have ensured the manufacturer continued success.

'We did a lot of testing through 1999 year and I wanted to stay on - because I knew what they were planning for 2000 would have given me a good chance of success.

'I enjoyed driving with them. Porsche gave me a chance to win Le Mans, and it was important for me to carry on and test the car.

'I did quite a lot of testing - that was mostly with 98 car - and then with the new car, which was being designed and built in the background. This was basically to make sure it had the potential required.

'Everybody in the [Porsche] motorsport department did a very good job, and the car was basically the work of that. All-in-all I would have loved the opportunity to race the car.'

Although McNish is left without a drive at present, he says there are a number of opportunities open to him. 'The last couple of years have been quite strong years for me, especially at Le Mans, and I think we were in with a very good chance of winning last year with Toyota.

'I've had contact from other teams and manufacturers. But, the first thing I have to do is to see exactly what the situation is with Porsche long-term. We do have a very strong relationship, and they've always been very open.

'One thing is clear: I'd like to race back at Le Mans and I'd like to do ALMS.'