McNish planning for the future

Allan McNish is planning on a racing comeback in the future and hopes his test driver position at Renault this year will make him a better driver. McNish was dropped by Toyota at the end of last season and for a while it looked like a move to ...

Allan McNish is planning on a racing comeback in the future and hopes his test driver position at Renault this year will make him a better driver. McNish was dropped by Toyota at the end of last season and for a while it looked like a move to America was his best option. However, the chance to stay in Formula Once came with an offer from Renault and the Scot jumped at the chance.

Allan McNish.

Photo by Renault F1.

"I wouldn't have joined Renault if I didn't think I had a future in this sport," said McNish, according to the BBC. "I've by no means given up hope. In fact, I'm all about looking to the future. At the end of 2003 I will be a better driver than I am now. I am more and more coming to grips with the technology all the time. And a race drive remains the long-term aim."

McNish was very disappointed about Toyota's decision not to renew his contract; 2002 team mate Mika Salo was also dropped but while Salo has since been publicly been bitter towards Toyota, McNish does not bear a grudge: "There's no point," he remarked. "It only makes you grumpy. It's much more healthy looking to the future."

Renault has opted to take up the Friday test sessions of Grand Prix weekends rather than the usual testing periods throughout the year. This is good for McNish, as being present at every race weekend will keep him very much in the action -- although, obviously, he will have to put in a good performance.