Paffett handed shot at the big time

Englishman Gary Paffett has been given a chance to break into Formula One after being handed a McLaren testing contract.

Paffett, who won the DTM championship for McLaren’s engine partner Mercedes last season, tested for the team recently and impressed enough to be given a full-time deal.

Paffett, who will not defend his DTM title, believes he has taken the first step on his way to a Formula One race seat.

He said: “I’m really excited about this opportunity and the challenges ahead. This is the culmination of my continuous relationship with McLaren and Mercedes-Benz.

“For my efforts to be officially recognised by one of the most successful Formula One teams and reaching my goal of getting a regular Formula One seat is a fantastic feeling.

“I have really enjoyed my time in the DTM Championship and being able to also continue my relationship with Mercedes-Benz in this manner is the icing on the cake.

“I’m 100% committed to my role as a McLaren-Mercedes test driver and can’t wait to start the 2006 testing programme. I want to thank everybody who has helped me achieve this goal – it wouldn’t have been possible without their support.”

McLaren confirmed the news this morning, revealing Alex Wurz’s future in the team is in doubt.

The Austrian missed out on a test drive with BMW-Sauber, who yesterday announced Robert Kubica in that role, and with Pedro de la Rosa staying on as a tester with McLaren, his options are limited.

McLaren are unlikely to appoint another full-time test driver to work alongside Paffett and De la Rosa but chief executive Martin Whitmarsh would not be drawn on Wurz’s future.

“Whilst we are pleased to welcome Gary to the team, we are still in discussion with Alex Wurz regarding his future and will announce our plans in due course,” he said.

Whitmarsh is convinced Paffett is the right man to inspire McLaren to more world championships.

The 24-year-old has only a small amount of Formula One experience but will be relied upon to fine-tune next year’s McLaren to give Kimi Raikkonen and Juan Pablo Montoya the best chance of victories.

Whitmarsh added: “In order to achieve our objective of winning races and world championships we have to employ the best drivers available and Gary definitely fits into this category.

“Gary is committed to the work laying ahead of him and everybody at McLaren look forward to his contribution.”