McLaren sign Olivier Panis as third F1 driver

Having not secured a drive for the 2000 FIA Formula One World Championship, Olivier Panis was dejected. Panis is a pretty handy wheelman, better than several others I will not mention that have secured drives mainly due to their sponsorship deals. Who says that this is just sport?! However, the end is not nigh for Olivier as it has been announced that he will be McLaren Mercedes' third driver for the 2000 season. He begins testing the new package on December 02 at Spain's Jerez circuit.

Norbert Haug, head of Mercedes-Benz motorsport (the chubby German with the moustache always in the pitlane frowning) commented:
"We are pleased to welcome Olivier to the family. He is a former Grand Prix winner and his experience will be valuable to our programme."

Panis himself said:
"Joining West McLaren Mercedes is an exciting challenge for me and I am looking forward to helping develop the team's new Formula One car for the 2000 season."

• The 1999 FIA Formula One World Championship

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