by Rob Wilkins
McLaren-Mercedes test and reserve driver, Gary Paffett has a 'number of opportunities' for next season in
Formula One, according to his co-manager,
Mark Blundell.
Speaking exclusively to
Crash.net Radio last week, Blundell, who looks after Gary's career, along with a number of other drivers through 2MB Sports Management Ltd, which was formed at the end of 2004 with his friend and fellow ex-
F1 racer, Martin Brundle, added that they have to be careful though and make sure they are not too hasty in whatever decision they make. Indeed Mark reckons timing will be the key for getting Gary the best deal possible.
"We have a couple of things that are going on with Gary at this point and not forgetting he is still part and parcel of
McLaren, there are some opportunities," Blundell explained. “We have to make sure though they are the right opportunities and that we are not being too short-sighted. We need to take an overview and see what is right for Gary. It is all about timing and making the right decision at the right time. We have just got to sit back and make sure we do that, rather than be too hasty."
Rumours in recent weeks have linked Paffett to Spyker MF1 in 2007, a move that could see him on the grid next year alongside fellow Brits,
Jenson Button and
David Coulthard, both of whom of course have confirmed drives, namely at
Honda and
Red Bull Racing respectively. Furthermore with 2006 GP2 champion,
Lewis Hamilton being tipped to line-up alongside
Fernando Alonso at McLaren, Gary looks set to have to look elsewhere if he wants to race.
"There are various conversations going on and several of those conversations will be based around open seats – and I think everyone is probably aware at this point where they are," added MB, when asked about the Spyker speculation. "There are a couple of other conversations with other people too which no one is aware of. It is interesting times."
