Dario Franchitti has hinted that his stay in the IRL may be a short one. The Scotsman, speaking to AUTOSPORT magazine about preparations for his first full season in the IRL would not confirm whether 2003 was preparation for a switch to another championship or the start of a permanent move to the all-oval series.
"It depends the way the sport moves. Its changing so quickly that who knows where we are going to be in a year's time."
The comments are sure to re-ignite rumours that Franchitti is still gunning for an F1 race seat with the BAR Honda team. As MOTORSPORTFORM revealed last year (16th October 2002), it is believed that Franchitti's deal to switch to the IRL with Honda team Andretti-Green Racing included the opportunity to test for BAR in 2003/2004.
Engine manufacturer Honda is thought to be providing financial assistance to Andretti-Green Racing as the team leads the Japanese brand's assault on the IRL championship. Franchitti chose to maintain his links with Honda by switching with his team to the IRL from the ChampCar series and it is believed the Scotsman did so in exchange for the chance to fight for a BAR race seat.
A number of drivers have been linked to BAR Honda amid rumours that Jacques Villeneuve's contract with the team will not be renewed in 2004. The potential opening is thought to be available to Honda friendly drivers such as Franchitti and current BAR test driver Takuma Sato.
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