Paffett targets McLaren test

The British star came close to signing a deal to race for Sauber this season before the Swiss team opted for former world champion Jacques Villeneuve instead. Paffett has now committed to another year in the DTM as a factory Mercedes driver.

"It's no secret that we talk to McLaren, and obviously through the DTM Mercedes link. I would really like to drive an F1 car again soon," said Paffett. "I'm hoping that I might get a chance to test during the year, and I'd like to think there is a good chance of that. Once I get in there then I can get the chance to show people what I can do.

"I'm fully committed to the DTM programme for 2005 and my target is to win the championship, but F1 is where I want to be in the future."

Paffett admits that missing out on the Sauber deal was a blow: "I was very close to the seat at Sauber for 2005, and then politics got in the way and it didn't happen. But that doesn't mean I have given up at all. I wasn't surprised to be honest, but I was disappointed.

"The Sauber thing was always aimed at a race drive. I didn't just want to do testing, I want to get in an F1 car and prove what I can do.

"It is the pinnacle of the sport and it is definitely my target. My management and me will continue to talk to the teams during the season and hopefully work towards something for next year."