Prodrive-McLaren decision expected soon

UPDATE This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' today as AutoRacing1.com sources tell us that the deal is done between Prodrive and McLaren. We await the formal announcement.

05/22/07 (GMM) A final decision about the likely linkup for 2008 between Prodrive and McLaren-Mercedes is expected within "two to four weeks".

That is the information of part time F1 test driver Gary Paffett, who is hoping to benefit from his association with Ron Dennis' Woking based team to make his grand prix debut.

The 26-year-old Briton is currently racing for Mercedes-Benz in the German touring car series (DTM).

David Richards is expected to publicly announce Prodrive's package for its first season of formula one – including partners and drivers – at the British grand prix in July.

Paffett suggested that Prodrive would benefit from signing him if Richards' new squad uses the current McLaren MP4-22 next season.

"I could race it without needing to do much testing," Paffett told the newspaper Salzburger Nachrichten.

He added: "I have known David (Richards) for a long time and he knows what I am capable of."