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Frenchman to race in 2008/2009?

Former Formula One driver Olivier Panis has hinted that he may race for A1 Team France in the 2008/09 A1GP season.

The 41-year-old, who was present as an ambassador for the team at least weekend's season finale at Brands Hatch, said that before he made any decisions he would like to test the car.

"First of all I want to ask [team owners] Jean-Paul Driot and Eric Boullier gently if I can test the car," he told autosport.com. "I think it will be in August when we have an official test for the French team.

"I want to do a test really to enjoy myself and to know the car. I think the new Ferrari is a big step forward. The tyres are a big step forward and I am really looking forward to next year.

"Maybe I will do more with A1GP next year, try to do some more races, because I like the racing, I like the mentality, and to race for the national flag is something special."

Asked if he would be tempted to race the French car if the test was successful Panis replied: "You never know, why not?"

"If the new car is nice then you never know," he added. "First we have to have the test and see if I enjoy myself. But if Ferrari is doing the car it should be nice - I'm told it's eight or nine seconds quicker than the current one."

Panis last drove a single-seater competitively in 2005, where he took part in free practice for Toyota at the French Grand Prix.

He currently races an LMP1 Courage for Oreca in the Le Mans Series, which hosts the third round of their championship at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend.

Written: Thu, 08 May 2008 21:23:25