UK, Apr 29: Jaguar have approached McLaren about hiring test driver Alex Wurz. The Austrian is being lined up by Jaguar as a possible replacement for Brazilian Antonio Pizzonia, who has made a disappointing start to the 2003 season.

A McLaren spokesperson confirmed on Monday that negotiations over Wurz's future are under way, despite the 29-year-old being on a long-term contract. Pizzonia, one of four Formula One rookies, has been outdriven by team-mate Australian Mark Webber.

And Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix may be crucial to his chances of staying at Jaguar. "Contrary to the wave of media speculation around us on the subject of Antonio's future, he will race this weekend in Barcelona," Jaguar managing director David Pitchforth said in a statement on Monday.

"We will continue to support his development and growth. Both Jaguar Racing and Antonio share a mutual interest in the outcome of his development."

Austrian newspapers, however, have reported that Wurz had flown to Britain last week and was close to finalising a deal to replace Pizzonia for his home Grand Prix on 18 May.

Jaguar denied that the Austrian, who raced 52 times for Benetton between 1997 and 2000, had visited their factory.

Bureau Report