Kiesa to test Prost as Blundell waits in wings.
Danish Formula Three race winner Nicolas Kiesa will get his hands on Formula One machinery later this year, when he uses his Prost connections to run with the grand prix team.
The RC/Prost Junior Team driver, who is among the favourites to land this year's British F3 title after winning a race last season, is being lined up to test one of the AP04 chassis during the summer months, as Alain Prost keeps his eye on the best of the young talent racing in Europe.
Danish Formula Three race winner Nicolas Kiesa will get his hands on Formula One machinery later this year, when he uses his Prost connections to run with the grand prix team.
The RC/Prost Junior Team driver, who is among the favourites to land this year's British F3 title after winning a race last season, is being lined up to test one of the AP04 chassis during the summer months, as Alain Prost keeps his eye on the best of the young talent racing in Europe.
Kiesa won the British FFord title in 1999, before graduating to F3 with the then Benetton-backed RC Motorsport team last year. Despite taking good qualifying positions early in the season, the Dane had to wait until the return trip to Donington Park before notching his maiden race win, but remained a threat throughout the year. Now he knows that further race wins in 2001 could elevate him to Formula One along the same path as another driver to have tested for Prost - Jenson Button.
"I have been promised a test with the team this summer, " he confirmed to Danish motorsport website motorsporten.dk, "so it looks as if all my hard work is paying off."
Kiesa is unlikely to land a full-time testing role with Prost this season, however, as the team continues to seek an experienced runner to help veteran Jean Alesi and newcomer Gaston Mazzacane develop the promising Ferrari-engined AP04.
Pedro de la Rosa appeared to have slotted into the position after his unceremonious dumping by Arrows, but has since run out on the team to link up with Jaguar. With the opening at Guyancourt still available, a number of names have been linked to Prost, the latest of which is Crash.Net columnist, and former Ligier driver, Mark Blundell.
Sections of the British media, as well as various internet sources, report that the three-time CART race winner is looking to return to F1, and has been in contact with Alain Prost regarding a possible testing and reserve role with the French team. Already signed to contest Le Mans with the nascent MG operation, Blundell formerly tested with both Williams and McLaren.
Prost has made no comment on the rumours.
