Benetton boys keep eye on the market.

One is expected to leave, the other to stay, but both Benetton drivers will be monitoring the 'silly season' rumour mill in Austria this weekend.

Alex Wurz, who competes in his home grand prix on Sunday, is the man under fire at Enstone, and is not thought likely to stay with the recently Renault-acquired team next season. His outlook could be changed, however, by comments made by team-mate Giancarlo Fisichella in spite of the expectation that he will be retained for 2001.

''Again this weekend, there will be rumours concerning Jacques Villeneuve,'' the Italian said in response to stories linking the Canadian to a Benetton/Renault seat next year, ''and I don't know yet where I will drive next season - or whether I will be a Benetton driver. I would like to stay, as I like the car and feel confident with it, but I have other options.''

Fisichella would not be drawn on these other possibilities, although he has been linked to both British American Racing and Jordan in possible swap deals with Villeneuve and Jarno Trulli, on whom Benetton has an option for 2002.

Wurz, still not sure of his own destination for next year, suggested that he felt Villeneuve would stick out another year with BAR, before hinting that he would like to stay at Benetton despite a disappointing campaign in 2000. He did reveal, however, that he was going to try and fit in as many discussions with other teams as possible during his hectic round of PR appearances at the A1-Ring.

''I want to check the situation out not just for myself, but also to see what others are doing,'' he said, ''In a game of chess, it is always important to know what the others are doing.''

The Austrian's name has not been mentioned in connection with many seats this season, although he was targeted by Sauber at the end of 1999 before staying put at Benetton.

[Source: newsnet.reuters.com]