McNish stops racing to take Renault test role

Allan McNish has been given a test role with Renault. The 33-year-old Briton, dropped by Toyota at the end of his maiden season last year, has spurned the chance of a drive in the United States and will test at every grand prix next season after Renault took up the option of the extra two-hour test on Fridays.

"Obviously I would prefer to be racing but this is the best situation I could have apart from a race seat," McNish said. "I had been speaking to teams but it became quickly apparent that they only seats available would be paying ones. We just did not have the funds and I prefer to be paid for my services.

Jos Verstappen has paid to fill the second driver's seat at Minardi. The 30-year-old Dutchman has driven for several teams, most recently with the defunct Arrows in the 2001 season.

Verstappen and Britain's Justin Wilson are both reported to have paid about £2m in cash and sponsorship guarantees for the right to drive with the tail-end team.

Formula Women, the first modern-day championship for female drivers, was launched in Birmingham yesterday.

The series is open to any woman who has not competed in motor sport but hopefuls will have to pass tests of their driving skills, fitness levels and personality to take part. The 16 qualifiers from the initial 2,400 successful applicants will then undergo an intensive driver training course later this year before racing Mazda RX-8 cars at various circuits in 2004.

The CART championship will have a European round with a race at Brands Hatch scheduled to replace the cancelled Rockingham 500. The race at the historic circuit, a former Formula One venue, will take place from 3 to 5 May.