Panis looking at options

Olivier Panis is still in talks with various teams regarding his future and believes experienced drivers such as himself are not under threat from the up-and-coming youngsters. Currently with BAR, Panis has yet be confirmed with the team for next year but the Frenchman is also keeping is options open to go elsewhere.

"We have two or three teams that we talk with," Panis told Autosport. "I want to continue in F1. I'm quite fit and performing well. If I can sign a two-year contract I'll be very happy with that. If I change team we'll need two years to develop the car well."

"I continue to speak with David Richards, because he wants to keep me, and also Keke Rosberg and Didier Cotton (Panis' managers) are looking at different options, and now we need to wait and see and try the best one."

Although some teams have been taking on young drivers, Panis doesn't think that will stand in the way of him getting another drive: "I don't think so," he said. "Because everybody knows with an experienced driver like me, when we have a car, we do the job. We have some good young drivers, but they make so many mistakes. When teams need points they also need drivers with experience to develop the car."

The situation at BAR remains undecided, with both Panis and current team-mate Jacques Villeneuve possibilities to partner Jenson Button in 2003. Other drivers have also been linked with the team, including most recently Heinz-Harald Frentzen who was released from his contract with Arrows last weekend.

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