Flash.(automobile industry news)

Renault lands McNish

Renault F1 has signed the former Toyota driver Allan McNish as a test driver. Most of the team's 2003 testing will be confined to the new Friday schedule, so McNish will retain his Grand Prix profile. Boosted by the prospect, the 33-year-old Scot said, ``It keeps me fully involved, and with the new qualifying system I will be involved at the races.'' McNish had a year of test and development with Toyota before making his F1 debut in 2002, and he was disappointed to be released, along with the Finn Mika Salo, at the end of last season.

Minardi hires Verstappen

Minardi has completed its 2003 driver lineup with the acquisition of the much-traveled Dutchman Jos Verstappen. He'll partner with F1 newcomer Justin Wilson. The deal was confirmed on Thursday at the headquarters of the electronics company Trust, which has become a team sponsor. Minardi team chief Paul Stoddart said Verstappen is a friend, adding: ``He is also an incredible talent, and deserves his place in F1. I think the driver combination we now have and [with] the engine [customer Cosworth CR3] and aerodynamics, we have reason for optimism. I think we can hope to be seen as the most improved team of the year, and we are looking forward to a solid scoring year.''

No Mario CART team

Mario Andretti is lukewarm about rumors of starting a CART team. Seems there's a reason: Son Michael said his father never had a notion to do the project. ``It's all been propaganda by [CART CEO Chris] Pook,'' Michael said.

Kanaan quickest so far