According to reports in the American press, 2005 IRL champion and Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon is on his way to Formula One and should be racing in the series by 2007 after spending a year in the role of test driver. However, while it was thought by several that he would take the available third driver role at Williams, Wheldon was quick to deny that Grove was his destination…

"That's not true,” he was quoted as saying on Speed about a move to Williams. "But you're on the right track."

Therefore, sensible deduction could see him with the new BMW team, formerly Sauber, who at this stage are still without a confirmed test driver for their debut season as a team in their own right, and with Nick Heidfeld signed to a two year deal, if they opt to retain Jacques Villeneuve, the French Canadian could very easily make way for Wheldon at the end of 2006 when his current contract comes to a close.

BAR is another option, however it is thought that Adam Carrol will be their third driver, and there will not be an empty seat at the Brackley based squad in 2007 with Rubens Barrichello and Jenson Button firmly in place. Williams however, could find themselves with a spare seat if Mark Webber fails to match his new young teammate, Nico Rosberg.

Meanwhile, Wheldon’s contract with Andretti Green comes to a close tomorrow, American time, so hopefully we should have confirmation of the deal some time soon.