Jaguar confirms Scheckter appointment.

Jaguar Racing has announced that 20-year old South African Tomas Scheckter will take up the role of development driver for the 2001 season.

Scheckter, who takes over the role from Brazilian Luciano Burti, will play an important part in the season-long development of the forthcoming Jaguar R2 car.

"This appointment is further evidence of the steps we are taking to ensure that Jaguar Racing will be competitive in the future," said team CEO Neil Ressler, making the announcement, "Tomas has consistently impressed us with his performances in this year's British Formula Three Championship with the Stewart team, and the Formula One test we gave him in the Jaguar R1 in August. He comes with a great pedigree and, of course, a father and mentor, Jody, who achieved the highest prize in the sport."

Scheckter Jr follows in the steps of Burti, who also graduated from Stewart Racing's F3 team to become Jaguar Racing's test driver, and who will partner Eddie Irvine for the 2001 season.

"It's a very exciting prospect to be involved with this project in such a key role, and I'm particularly proud to be associated with Jaguar - one of the most prestigious names in the business," the South African commented, "Of course, my ultimate aim is to become a Formula One driver but, before that, there's a job to be done, and that job is to ensure that next year's Jaguar R2 is as competitive as possible. It's a task that I will relish."

"Tomas loves the development side of racing, and I'm sure that he will do a good job for the team," added his father, "It is also a fantastic opportunity for him."

Earlier this year, Jaguar announced a sponsorship agreement with 18-year old German F3 driver Andre Lotterer as part of its on-going effort to nurture young talent. Scheckter's team-mate Narain Karthikeyan is also expected to have a test run in the R1 before the end of the year.