Zanardi aims for 2002 CART return

The Italian, dropped by Williams after a disappointing campaign in Formula 1 in '99, is willing to sit out next season because he is only interested in driving for a top team, according to this week's Autosport magazine.

Zanardi tested for Mo Nunn Racing earlier this year, but opted against joining the team for a limited programme of races.

"I want to race the full season, but it looks like I've left my decision too late for next year," said Zanardi. "There's nothing out there that's available for next year with a top team, but I'm motivated and will be keeping myself in physical condition to be ready to race."

In Zanardi's three seasons of CART with Chip Ganassi Racing, he finished title runner-up in 1996, then took back-to-back titles in 1997-'98.

Ganassi has already filled its two 2001 seats with rookies Nicolas Minassian and Bruno Junqueira, but could bring in Zanardi for a one-off assault on the IRL-snactioned Indianapolis 500. The team won this year's race with F1-bound Juan Pablo Montoya.

"It would be tremendous to do that race," said Zanardi, "but I want to do the whole season, not just one event."