Magnussen linked to CART drive

The Dane had been trying to get a drive with Patrick Racing, for whom he raced on several occasions in 1999, but lost out to Roberto Moreno.

Now rumours suggest that he could sign a deal with PPI Motorsports, the surviving half of the Arciero-Wells squad.

With Frank Arciero now linked with Forsythe, Cal Wells' reconstituted team will go it alone in 2000. Christiano da Matta will definitely drive one of the team's Reynard-Toyota's, and it now seems likely that he will have a team-mate after all, contrary to previous expectations.

Magnussen has been linked to the drive, but the team does require more funding and it is thought that his chances depend on how successful Wells is in finding more sponsorship within the next few weeks.

Indy Lights champion and runner-up Oriol Servia and Phillipp Peter have also spoken to Wells. Both could bring funding if necessary and are keen to graduate to Champ Cars.

Another option for Magnussen is Stefan Johansson's potential new CART team.

If he cannot get a Champ Car drive he is likely to return to sportscars with the works Panoz team.